UK 'Will Never Be Part Of An EU Army'

The UK "will never be a part of an EU army", the Government has insisted.

It comes following reports of a European Union policy paper suggesting the bloc could improve its contribution to security defence.

A Government spokesman insisted: "The Prime Minister has repeatedly made clear that the UK will never be a part of an EU army.

"We retain a veto on all defence matters in the EU and we will oppose any measures which would undermine member states' military forces."

According to The Times newspaper, the EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will unveil her plans after the 23 June referendum.

The paper claimed to have seen a draft of the document.

"The EU can step up its contribution to Europe's security and defence," the draft said.

"Our external action must become more joined up across policy areas, institutions and member states.

"Greater unity of purpose is needed across the policy areas making up our external action."

But an EU spokesperson said: "There is absolutely no plan to set up an EU army with the Global Strategy."