Local MP Hails new UK-EU Defence Pact as ‘Major Win’ after Lib Dem Pressure

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has welcomed the announcement of a new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership, agreed at a major summit yesterday. The move follows months of pressure from the Liberal Democrats, who have consistently called for deeper cooperation with Europe on defence and security.

The new pact will allow the UK defence industry to participate in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund and sets a framework for stronger collaboration between the UK and EU on shared security threats. Number 10 said the agreement would "formalise UK-EU cooperation on defence to ensure Europe’s safety and security at a time of increasing global uncertainty."

The Liberal Democrats called for a UK-EU defence and security agreement in their July 2024 general election manifesto and have continued to push for stronger ties with European allies in the face of rising global instability. Tom Gordon said the need for such cooperation has only grown more urgent in light of Russia’s war on Ukraine and the volatile rhetoric of figures like Donald Trump.

Tom has long championed stronger UK-EU relations. Earlier this year, he co-sponsored a bill in Parliament pushing for a UK-EU Youth Mobility Scheme, to restore travel, study, and work opportunities for young people. He has also spoken in a debate on UK-EU relations, highlighting the importance of restoring freedom of movement to help revitalise the UK’s struggling tourism industry – particularly in areas like Harrogate and Knaresborough, where tourism is central to the local economy. 

On the new Security and Defence Partnership, Tom welcomed the shift from the Government as a ‘major win’ and urged the Prime Minister to turn ‘fine words’ into meaningful action. 

The Party is also calling for the Government to treat the pact as a first step toward deeper EU cooperation. They are urging Starmer to be ambitious and pursue a new, bespoke Customs Union agreement that could unlock growth and opportunity across the UK. 

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough said: 

“This is a major win for our national security. A closer defence relationship with the EU is long overdue, and it’s welcome to see it finally agreed.   

“The Government has at last acknowledged the urgent need to stand shoulder to shoulder with our European allies in the face of growing global threats. We’ve been calling for this for months – now it’s time to move from words to action.  

“Starmer must follow through and ensure this pact delivers real, coordinated defence cooperation that strengthens our shared security.”

ENDS