Joe Conway (Independent)

I am very encouraged to hear the kindred thinking from the Minister of State. We can talk about co-operation with private and semi-State bodies and all that sort of thing, but the critical thing at this stage is to encourage the Government to initiate a reasoned and comprehensive national discourse on the issues we spoke about - and that means neutrality - and to bring the matter of co-operation on defence to a decision not just of the Government, but of the people. If the majority so accord, we should set about preparing a tangible defence of our land, our way of life and our values in co-operation with our European neighbours, brothers and sisters. We could not dissipate the chance to co-operate and the time really is now because the behaviour of Putin regarding Ukraine and all the shenanigans he has been engaged in since show how parlous our security is, unless we co-operate with our European neighbours - and, indeed, NATO, if it comes to that. That is where we should be going.