FROM THE BARONESS SCOTTGOVERNMENT WHIP CO, DWP AND MOJ020-7219 6802

GOVERNMENT WHIPS’ OFFICEHOUSE OF LORDS

LONDON SW1A 0PWTelephone 020-7219 3131

www.lordswhips.org.ukholgovernmentwhips@parliament.uk

20 August 2020

Dear Lord Wallace of Saltaire,

During the PNQ on EU: Future Trade Agreement on Wednesday 29 July, you asked a question on Russia in the context of the negotiations with the EU. I am sorry that I was unable to respond to you at the time and I promised to write to you.

The UK will continue to work with partners in the EU and allies around the world to uphold and protect the global norm, which helps to keep us all safe.

Whilst we expect foreign policy cooperation to be substantial, as indeed it is with many of our international partners, we don’t think we need an institutional framework to deliver this effectively. We are already working closely with the EU on a wide range of issues including Iran, Libya, climate change, Russia without such a framework, and see no reason why this cannot continue. We are open to discussing technical agreements where genuinely needed, such as a Security of Information Agreement so we can share classified information, and are of course interested to hear the EU’s views.

I hope you find this letter helpful. I will also place a copy in the House library.

BARONESS SCOTT OF BYBROOK

Lord Wallace of SaltaireHouse of Lords