'As a veteran, I am delighted to continue serving my country' - Shropshire MP lands role as UK NATO representative
A Shropshire MP has vowed to be a strong voice for transatlantic defence and security after being appointed as a UK NATO representative.
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South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson represented the UK at the 70th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Montréal, Canada between November 22 and 25.
Mr Anderson was appointed to the UK delegation on November 5 and engaged with host country representatives, NATO, and high-level experts at the latest international summit.
The Conservative MP said he is “delighted” to have been appointed, and added that it is an important forum for strengthening political will across the member states, and plays an active role in coordinating their response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The South Shropshire MP reported that all 281 parliament members from the 32 NATO member states, alongside around 100 members from 25 partner countries and parliamentary bodies, addressed key topics on the Euro-Atlantic defence and security agenda at the Annual Session.
Mr Anderson was also elected vice-chair of the Science and Technology Committee that will consider the opportunities that this sector offers to address defence and security challenges faced by the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond.
He said: "At this time of global instability, NATO remains the cornerstone of defence.
"As a veteran, I am delighted to continue serving my country as one of the UK’s 18 representatives on its Parliamentary Assembly. It is an integral forum, fostering mutual understanding between elected representatives throughout the alliance.
"I will work with colleagues on the assembly as a strong voice for transatlantic defence and security. Together, we will promote international dialogue and collaboration across the Alliance as it is the bedrock of our collective security."