Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 30
30
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 95
Strategic advantage for UK in collaborating with and eventually joining the Quad.
Conclusion
[While stressing the importance of AUKUS, the Refresh makes no mention of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) established in 2007 and renewed since 2017 between Australia, India, Japan and the United States. We heard differing opinions from witnesses on whether the UK should apply to join the Quad, with some strongly supporting UK membership, others suggesting that it is too early to consider this now and one group against the proposal altogether. While understanding the reservations,] we see advantage in working with the Quad to develop a coordinated strategy covering the whole Indo-Pacific maritime area, and applying to join the Quad at such time as the existing members feel is appropriate.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government partially agrees, stating that membership of the Quad is not necessary but the UK will continue to work with Quad members bilaterally and multilaterally on critical issues.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
95
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted in Part
97. The Government partially agrees with these recommendations. AUKUS is one of the most strategically important capability collaborations in decades, which will strengthen Indo-Pacific and global security. We recognise interest from partners in collaborating on AUKUS advanced capability work streams (Pillar II of the partnership, referenced as ‘Strand B’ in the Committee’s report). In the AUKUS Leaders’ Statement of April 2022, trilateral partners committed to engaging with allies and close partners as Pillar II lines Government response 21 of effort mature. The success of Pillar II relies on establishing the successful trilateral development of advanced technologies and industrial eco-system to rapidly deliver capability. The three partner nations are focussed on delivering this dual track effort first and foremost.
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