The report, authored by German MEP Karl von Wogau called for "further development of co-operation between national armed forces so that they become increasingly synchronised." Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said, "The fact that 16 Labour MEPs voted in support of this report is outrageous. The idea of the creation of a so-called SAFE or Euro army is not only irresponsible on behalf of Eurocrats but also nonsensical."

Europe Minister Caroline Flint wrote to the Guardian on Tuesday saying, "Let me be clear - there are no plans for a European army." A Foreign Office Spokesman said, "There will be no European army. NATO remains the cornerstone of European defence. This is spelt out in the Lisbon Treaty."

Earlier - the Telegraph had reported that a security blueprint charting a path to a European Union army will be agreed by MEPs. The paper notes that, "The plan, WHICH HAS INFLUENTIAL SUPPORT IN GERMANY AND FRANCE, PROPOSES TO SET UP A 'SYNCHRONISED ARMED FORCES EUROPE', or Safe, as a first step towards a true European military force."