Defence agreement signed between UK and Netherlands

Sir Michael Fallon and Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert have signed a commitment to strengthen co-operation in areas including hybrid and cyber warfare and counter terrorism.

The two defence secretaries have pledged to work more closely across defence and security policy, intelligence and joint exercises, while discussing the benefits of working towards a UK-Netherlands Amphibious Force.

The UK and Netherlands have a long history of collaborating on defence and security, most recently through the Counter Daesh Global Coalition.

Fallon said: “The UK has stepped up its relationship with the Netherlands - one of our closest and most reliable European allies. We have committed to working more closely to tackle common threats, from cyber security to terrorism, and will be united in our drive for the EU and NATO to work better together. The UK is stepping forward not back from the global stage and will continue to defend our continent before and after Brexit.”

Hennis-Plasschaert added: “I very much value the strong military ties between the UK and the Netherlands. Clearly, our collective security is at stake, and I am convinced that we can only face today’s and tomorrow’s challenges by joining forces. We need each other more than ever. Military cooperation, either bilateral or within NATO-EU, is crucial in securing and safeguarding peace and stability at home and abroad.”