PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
HMS Queen Elizabeth: Deployment (28 August 2020)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on UK-China relations of the deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth on freedom of navigation operations in the Pacific in the vicinity of disputed islands.

Asked by:
Kirsty Blackman (Scottish National Party)

Planning for the inaugural deployment of HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021 as part of a Carrier Strike Group continues. It will be an ambitious deployment which demonstrates the UK's commitment to upholding a rules based international system and showcases our world-leading carrier capability. Once plans for the deployment have been agreed, the Government will make a statement to the House.

Answered by:
James Heappey (Conservative)
3 September 2020