Government response to Scrutiny of international agreements: UK-Republic of Senegal Defence Cooperation Agreement

This is the government's response, published 11 December 2024.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The Government "notes" the Committee's conclusions and "appreciates" its scrutiny of the treaty, while stating that the defence relationship with Senegal is important to the UK.

• On classified information, it "can confirm" none will be exchanged without a further agreement, and "commits to bring any such agreement to the Committee's attention in due course" should the relationship develop in that direction.
• On the timing of implementing legislation, it says the dates were "decided by the previous Government" and that, while the general practice is to lay treaties first, "flexibility to pass legislation before or during parliamentary scrutiny of a treaty can be beneficial".
• On implementing arrangements, it "acknowledges the Committee's concern" but notes later administrative arrangements are "not unusual". It will "consult appropriately" if an arrangement is "novel, contentious" or outside delegated powers.
• On finance, it assesses the implications as limited to Joint Military Commission and routine Defence Engagement costs, with "no new funding" sought. It agrees amendments by exchange of letters would not be subject to CRaG scrutiny.

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