Mr Speaker, thank you and with permission, I will update the House on the Government’s Integrated Review of foreign, defence, security and development policy. Our Review will conclude early next year, setting out the UK’s international agenda, but I want to inform the House of its first outcome.
DefenceSynergia (DS) has articulated the need for a National Strategy since it was formed more than 10 years ago. We hold to this position today. As do many observers of British Foreign and Defence policy. Now there is a new Strategic dynamic for UK to address. The hegemonic intentions of China.
Introduction The United Kingdom’s (UK) nuclear deterrent deters against the most extreme threats to our way of life, both now and in the future. It provides the ultimate guarantee of our national security, and is a major part of this Government’s commitment to ensure the safety and security of its citizens. In 2016, Parliament voted Continue reading
DS is pleased to publish the First Sea Lord’s requirements for the Type 31e frigate which comes in the wake of the MOD announcement of its National Warship Build Strategy (NSBS). If we in DS have a reservation it would only be that the First Sea Lord seems reluctant to mention in his speech that Continue reading
DS welcomes and supports the House of Commons Defence Committee’s 10th February 2017 Report and recommendations on the Iraq Historic Allegations Team (IHAT). DS also welcomes the MOD’s 11th February 2017 announcement that IHAT will be closed, however, DS is disappointed that IHAT closure will not be until summer 2017. MOD’s announcement timing seems to Continue reading
DS notes this report from the National Audit office mirrors our own concerns in our recently published short paper that substantive issues exist within UK defence procurement. NAO Report
DS has been following, researching, inputting to and commenting upon UK Strategy and Defence issues for many years, including two major Strategic Defence and Security Reviews (SDSR 2010 and 2015). A nadir was reached following SDSR 2010 and, although SDSR 2015 offered much to approve of, it was still a case of ‘jam tomorrow’ where Continue reading