Latest: Creation of EU military defence pact does not threaten Ireland's neutrality - Varadkar

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted the creation of the new PESCO EU military defence pact does not threaten Ireland's neutrality - despite saying new threats must be dealt with in "an inclusive way" and that Europe is "worth defending", writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith in Strasbourg.

Update 12.58pm: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has insisted the creation of the new PESCO EU military defence pact does not threaten Ireland's neutrality - despite saying new threats must be dealt with in "an inclusive way" and that Europe is "worth defending", writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith in Strasbourg.

During a detailed speech on the EU's future in Strasbourg, France, Mr Varadkar said while there is concern over the PESCO group he and the Government continues to hold neutrality in high esteem and that this will not change.