Responding to the European Commission’s Paper on the Future of European Defence, Conservative Defence & Security Spokesman, Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, said: “The European Commission’s proposals show once again that the EU is on an ego trip, motivated by its own ambitions rather than security needs.

Responding to the European Commission’s Paper on the Future of European Defence, Conservative Defence & Security Spokesman, Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, said: “The European Commission’s proposals show once again that the EU is on an ego trip, motivated by its own ambitions rather than security needs.

“Europe’s citizens want to see less Europe, not more. Whilst security and defence has become a pressing issue in the minds of all our peoples, it is nonsense to suggest that the answer to this is more EU.

“It is NATO that has preserved peace and security in Europe since the end of the Second World War. The real question is, how do we give more strength to this great alliance and ensure the continued commitment of the United States to our defence. Certainly not by spinning statistics and creating alternative structures that will merely increase the transatlantic divide.

“As Britain leaves the EU it is important that we achieve a strong and positive partnership on security and defence matters. The UK will continue to meet its defence spending pledge, play a leading role in NATO and remain a vital partner in the fight against terrorism. It is important that we continue to work together and that the EU does not deviate from the essential focus on NATO. It is in the interests of both the UK and EU that the UK has an observer seat at the security table once we leave.”