Recommendations & Conclusions
58 items
4
Conclusion
First Report - Defence in Scotland: mil…
Accepted
We welcome the MOD’s high level of spending with Scottish industry (around 10% of total spending with industry) but are concerned that this spending is very heavily skewed towards major international prime contractors rather than SMEs. This is illustrated by the fact that only 2.5% of the MOD’s spending with …
Government response. The MOD recognises the skills offered by Scottish SMEs but rejects the view that there is an engrained hesitancy within the defence sector towards working with them, and outlines various initiatives to support SMEs.
Scotland Office
17
Recommendation
First Report - Defence in Scotland: mil…
Accepted
The UK Government should accelerate work with relevant responsible bodies across the UK to reduce barriers that military spouses and partners face when attempting to transfer their professional qualifications—for example, teaching qualifications— between UK nations. In line with the Armed Forces Covenant, military spouses and partners should not be disadvantaged …
Government response. The government states that the Scottish Credits and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP), the Training, Education, Skills, Recruitment and Resettlement team (TESRR) of MOD and Skills Development Scotland, have collaborated to simplify the current system for mapping and translating qualifications and …
Scotland Office
2
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
If bids from Scottish yards are to be fairly compared with those of their international competitors, this process should be based on a full analysis of their respective benefits, including the benefits to the local economy and in additional tax revenue collected in the UK. However, it is not clear …
Government response. The Government seeks to account for the wider benefits from shipbuilding procurement programmes through the application of the Social Value model and regional assessments. The NSO also works with MOD procurement teams to ensure economic benefits are considered.
Scotland Office
3
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out what work it did, in preparing the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, to estimate and measure the benefits of procuring ships domestically for the Scottish economy and the wider UK economy, and the revenue generated for the Scottish Government …
Government response. The Government stated they seek to account for the wider benefits from shipbuilding procurement programmes through the application of the Social Value model. The National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) and the MOD have undertaken a series of regional assessments to better …
Scotland Office
4
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The decision to award the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships to the international consortium Team Resolute is an example of a shift in the UK Government’s approach to warship procurement. We note that the UK Government chose the Team Resolute bid over a Team UK bid that would reportedly have …
Government response. The MOD states that the decision to award the Fleet Solid Support ship contract to Team Resolute did not prioritise short-term savings and that the decision was the result of a fair and open competition, supporting the objectives of the …
Scotland Office
11
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The UK Government should carry out and lay before Parliament a formal evaluation of the contribution of the National Shipbuilding Office after two years, and again after five and ten years, to assess whether it has succeeded in driving better strategic decision-making in shipbuilding. As part of this review, the …
Government response. The NSO is gathering the required data to monitor and assure the delivery of the Refresh and is suitably empowered to provide strategic oversight of all Government activity across the shipbuilding enterprise and is committed to demonstrating accountability and value …
Scotland Office
13
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
To enhance its relationships with the Scottish shipbuilding sector, the National Shipbuilding Office should, by the end of 2023, establish a permanent staff presence in its Edinburgh hub, as the MoD and NSO have indicated. (Paragraph 40) The shipbuilding pipeline
Government response. The Department stated that they have already signed a lease for a base in Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh, which will be used by the NSO to host its staff and support visits. The NSO is advertising jobs based in …
Scotland Office
22
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its response to our report are encouraging; however, we believe the …
Government response. The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022 which outlines the commitments being made to increasing and supporting opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Department for Transport is the lead Government Department for the Regional Maritime Cluster …
Scotland Office
23
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the UK Government’s commitments in Maritime 2050, work specifically to develop shipbuilding clusters in Scotland. In responding to this report, the UK Government should update us on what it has already done to support …
Government response. The MOD referenced its SME Action Plan and engagement with the Scottish Supplier Development Programme as actions already in place to support shipbuilding clusters and address barriers to Scottish SMEs.
Scotland Office
24
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial year to confirm whether it met its target of spending 25 per cent of its procurement spend with SMEs. In addition, it should provide an update on what proportion of its spend with SMEs is …
Government response. The MOD stated that they had a target of 25% SME procurement spend by the end of 2022, with Scottish SMEs playing a significant role, and that figures are being gathered and will be published. They also stated that regional …
Scotland Office
25
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We heard that including a social value component in shipbuilding contracts can help deliver benefits for the wider economy and in shipbuilding communities. However, there are challenges in measuring how effectively those commitments are being delivered on.
Government response. The NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered. Under the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, the contracting authority is also mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
26
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The MOD should set out how it evaluates social value in competitions, how it measures the delivery of social value in the contracts it negotiates, and how it holds contractors accountable to ensure they meet those targets. It should also, as contracts progress, track the delivery of social value and …
Government response. The MOD uses the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, measures delivery through standard reporting metrics, contract-specific metrics, and a Social Value Key Performance Indicator, and manages performance through reporting obligations, performance management terms, and a formal framework for managing relationships …
Scotland Office
30
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Building on the work of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce, the Ministry of Defence should commission regular research to develop and keep up to date its understanding of the current and future skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce, and the skills needed by the shipbuilding sector. Given education and skills …
Government response. The government states that the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is already addressing this challenge and includes representatives from Skills Development Scotland and Scottish industry.
Scotland Office
38
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The UK Government should carry out and lay before Parliament a formal evaluation of the contribution of the National Shipbuilding Office after two years, and again after five and ten years, to assess whether it has succeeded in driving better strategic decision- making in shipbuilding. As part of this review, …
Government response. The government states that the NSO is gathering the required data to monitor and assure the delivery of the Refresh, and reports to the Secretary of State for Defence who has the ability to hold other Ministers to account. They …
Scotland Office
40
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
To enhance its relationships with the Scottish shipbuilding sector, the National Shipbuilding Office should, by the end of 2023, establish a permanent staff presence in its Edinburgh hub, as the MOD and NSO have indicated. Defence in Scotland: military shipbuilding 19 2 The shipbuilding pipeline Benefits of a shipbuilding ‘drumbeat’
Government response. The NSO has signed a lease for a base in Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh to host its staff and support engagement. The NSO advertises all its job vacancies to be based from either its Edinburgh or London offices.
Scotland Office
41
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
A theme we heard repeatedly emphasised during our inquiry was the importance of a regular ‘drumbeat’ of orders to provide a consistent workload that could help industry plan for the future. Stakeholders from all parts of the sector stressed that shipbuilding is an industry that operates on long timescales and …
Government response. The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and the NSbS aims to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government through a 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline. The NSO has committed to …
Scotland Office
46
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Other elements of the pipeline face questions, including the Type 32 frigates, which under the pipeline suggested above would be built by Babcock at Rosyth from 2028 into the late 2030s. A National Audit Office report in November noted that, in July 2022, Navy Command withdrew its initial plans for …
Government response. The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and the NSbS aims to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government through a 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline. The NSO has committed to …
Scotland Office
54
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence Select Committee, the UK Government should provide an update on the current status of the military shipbuilding pipeline for Scottish naval yards. In particular, it should confirm whether the MOD still intends to order the …
Government response. The government confirms the Royal Navy intends to procure more frigates and destroyers, states the T32 program is in the concept phase, and the suspension of the National Flagship has not created a gap in the pipeline as the MROS …
Scotland Office
65
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The UK defence sector, and the shipbuilding industry in particular, is dominated by a relatively small number of major companies. This is partly as a result of significant rationalisation and consolidation over the years, the highly specialised nature of its work and its limited customer base. In 2021/22, 42 per …
Government response. The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022, outlining commitments to increasing opportunities for SMEs and supporting the defence supply chain through initiatives such as the Defence Suppliers Portal and digital outreach.
Scotland Office
66
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Only a small proportion of MOD spending with SMEs goes to Scottish SMEs, however. During our previous defence inquiry into Scotland’s military landscape, the MOD told us that Scottish SMEs accounted for just over £25 million of the MOD’s total spend. This is around 2.5 per cent of the approximate …
Government response. The MOD had a target of 25% of procurement spend going to SMEs by the end of 2022 and expects Scottish SMEs played a significant role in this. Figures for FY21/22 show £67M went directly to Scottish SMEs, representing 7% …
Scotland Office
68
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We heard that geographically targeted measures could be an effective way of involving SMEs in defence supply chains, such as fostering the growth of industry clusters. Hans Pung of RAND Europe, when asked what the UK Government could do to promote SME involvement, suggested that “the MOD working-with-industry group should …
Government response. The MOD outlines the SME Action Plan and initiatives to support SMEs, including the Defence Suppliers Portal, SME champions, and digital outreach. They also note the Department for Transport is the lead for the Regional Maritime Cluster Development Programme.
Scotland Office
69
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its response to our report are encouraging; however, we believe the …
Government response. The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022 which outlines the commitments being made to increasing and supporting opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including easier procurement models, recognition of the role of the MOD and its suppliers …
Scotland Office
72
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Another tool the MOD uses to attempt to deliver benefits for local economies and communities is through using social value criteria to evaluate contracts. The MOD has a minimum 20 per cent weighting for social value. which will be applied to shipbuilding competitions.113 We heard that the three areas the …
Government response. The NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered. Under the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, the contracting authority is also mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
74
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We heard that including a social value component in shipbuilding contracts can help deliver benefits for the wider economy and in shipbuilding communities. However, there are challenges in measuring how effectively those commitments are being delivered on.
Government response. The NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered. Under the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, the contracting authority is also mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
75
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The MOD should set out how it evaluates social value in competitions, how it measures the delivery of social value in the contracts it negotiates, and how it holds contractors accountable to ensure they meet those targets. It should also, as contracts progress, track the delivery of social value and …
Government response. The MOD uses the Cabinet Office Social Value Model as the framework, measures social value delivery using standard metrics, contract-specific metrics, and a Social Value Key Performance Indicator, and manages performance like any other contractual obligation with appropriate reporting and …
Scotland Office
76
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Professor Keith Hartley of the University of York told us that there was a limited understanding of shipbuilding supply chains: The problem we face in the Scottish shipbuilding industry is that, although we know the major primes like BAE and have a limited amount of information on their supply chains …
Government response. The MOD operates initiatives to improve understanding of supply chains, including the Supply Chain Resilience Programme and a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) requiring contractors to provide supply chain maps.
Scotland Office
77
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The Defence Secretary acknowledged that the MOD’s understanding of supply chains had been “one of our vulnerabilities” in the past, but said that since then “there has been a real drive across Government, and certainly in our department, to map and understand your supply chain right the way through the …
Government response. The MOD operates a series of initiatives to improve understanding of supply chains and address vulnerabilities, including a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and the introduction of a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) in contracts to map supply chains.
Scotland Office
78
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We heard that historically the Ministry of Defence’s understanding of shipbuilding supply chains had been a vulnerability. The Secretary of State told us this had subsequently improved. The new Defence Supply Chain Strategy’s emphasis on building resilience in supply chains is welcome, and improving understanding of supply chains further will …
Government response. The MOD states that it already operates several initiatives to improve the understanding of supply chains, including a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) in contracts.
Scotland Office
79
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The Ministry of Defence should publish data on the composition of shipbuilding supply chains, to assist understanding of how the UK shipbuilding industry is structured. This should include regional breakdowns so that the extent of local supply chains and industry clusters can be better understood by Government and industry. 123 …
Government response. The MOD states it already has initiatives to improve understanding of supply chains, including a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) requiring supply chain maps.
Scotland Office
80
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
A number of contributors to our inquiry highlighted that shipbuilding is an industry that requires a highly trained and specialised workforce.127 This is particularly true in the warship industry because warships are built to more demanding specifications: they must be built to withstand combat, and they incorporate a number of …
Government response. The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address this challenge by collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy, with a report of recommended actions expected in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
81
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
As well as employing large numbers of skilled workers in its shipyards, Scotland also trains highly specialised workers at its higher and further education institutions, many of which go on to work for BAE and Babcock. Among the institutions which provide shipbuilding qualifications in Scotland are City of Glasgow College, …
Government response. The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address this challenge by collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy, with a report of recommended actions expected in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
82
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions said workforce recruitment, skills and retention were “the biggest challenge for the industry and the enterprise collectively.”129 City of Glasgow College, one of the biggest trainers of Scottish shipbuilders, agreed that “Scottish shipbuilding cannot succeed without addressing chronic shortages in labour and skills.”130 …
Government response. The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
83
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
A further challenge relates to retaining existing staff. Witnesses told us that uncertainty about future workloads could lead to staff leaving their roles. John Howie of Babcock said: “There are inherent inefficiencies in ordering a batch of ships and then not ordering anything for four, five or six years. It …
Government response. The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address the challenge of retaining existing staff by developing and implementing a future-focussed skills strategy. The UKSST includes representatives from Skills Development Scotland and Scottish industry and intends to publish a report …
Scotland Office
84
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Witnesses emphasised the importance of a reliable drumbeat of work to help them recruit and retain staff. City of Glasgow College called for “a clearer demand signal to trigger both the public and private sector investment needed to expand the shipbuilding workforce.”138 Hans Pung of RAND Europe agreed that “the …
Government response. The government is addressing this challenge through the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST), which aims to develop and implement a future-focused skills strategy and publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
85
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Another challenge identified by contributors related to retraining and lifelong learning for the existing workforce. City of Glasgow College told us “a skilled workforce which is regularly upskilled and reskilled across a lifetime is vital to sustaining a world-class shipbuilding industry in Scotland and the UK.” The College drew attention, …
Government response. The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
87
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
We heard evidence that the MOD and the Scottish Government could both have a better understanding of the skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce. This makes workforce planning for a highly advanced sector like military shipbuilding more challenging.
Government response. The government is addressing this challenge through the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST), which aims to develop and implement a future-focused skills strategy and publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
88
Recommendation
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
Building on the work of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce, the Ministry of Defence should commission regular research to develop and keep up to date its understanding of the current and future skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce, and the skills needed by the shipbuilding sector. Given education and skills …
Government response. The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
96
Conclusion
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotland: mi…
Accepted
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce’s report should identify the skills demands of the warship industry specifically, as well as steps that can be taken to meet those needs.
Government response. The scope of the UKSST aligns with the NSbS Refresh and it will therefore consider the skills requirements and know-how for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, including the warship, commercial, workboat and leisure market sectors, both in the short …
Scotland Office
1
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK Government is clear that Scotland’s geography, and the capabilities located there, is critical to meeting the UK and NATO’s defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North.
Government response. The government welcomed the report, agreeing that Scotland's geography and defence assets are critical to UK and NATO objectives, and reiterated its existing commitment to using these capabilities as part of a UK-wide defence strategy.
Scotland Office
4
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK and NATO face new challenges in the North Atlantic in the High North. In particular, the Arctic faces new environmental and political challenges which must be navigated carefully if the region is to remain one of high co-operation and low tension.
Government response. The government states that its 10-year strategy already commits to improving understanding of the region, monitoring challenges, and regularly reviewing priorities, reiterating existing Integrated Review analysis. It also describes ongoing monitoring of subsea infrastructure vulnerability.
Scotland Office
5
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK Government should continue to be proactive in considering how the UK’s defence and security priorities in the North Atlantic and the High North may change in the future, in response to the changing geopolitical context and the effects of climate change. In its response to this report, the …
Government response. The government states that its 10-year strategy commits to improving understanding of the region and regularly reviewing defence and security priorities. It outlines its current assessment of challenges, including Russian belligerence, resource competition, and subsea infrastructure vulnerability, reiterating points from …
Scotland Office
7
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK Government should consider how the effects of climate change might create new defence and security responsibilities in the future, in particular for naval policing and search and rescue. The UK should also seek to promote and uphold the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the …
Government response. The government states it is monitoring climate change implications for the region. It clarifies that search and rescue is primarily an Arctic State responsibility, though the UK has North Atlantic duties and cooperates. It affirms its commitment to upholding UNCLOS …
Scotland Office
9
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK Government should produce and publish a strategy for protecting offshore infrastructure. This should include a plan for how attempts by malign actors to interfere with Critical National Infrastructure can be deterred or prevented, and how damaged infrastructure can be repaired quickly by their commercial owners.
Government response. The government states that protecting subsea infrastructure is already a core part of its National Strategy for Maritime Security. It describes ongoing efforts, including inter-departmental cooperation, monitoring, naval patrols, and working with allies to deter threats and ensure resilience, stating …
Scotland Office
10
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK Government should set out the timeline for the refitted Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship, RFA Proteus, and the future purpose-built Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship to come into service. It should state whether it is still the intention, as set out in the 2021 Integrated Review, for the purpose-built MROSS …
Government response. The government committed RFA PROTEUS to reach Initial Operating Capability by mid-2024 and Full Operating Capability by the end of 2024. For the future Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship-2, the program is in the pre-concept phase with no decisions yet made …
Scotland Office
11
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK’s role and responsibilities in NATO may evolve in response to changing geopolitics, including increasing tensions with Russia and the consequent accession of Finland and (as seems likely) Sweden to the alliance. This may entail new or changed responsibilities in the North Atlantic and the High North. The same …
Government response. The government states it will continue to monitor developments and regularly engage with NATO, JEF, and the Northern Group, acknowledging that its role and responsibilities may evolve. It agrees with the importance of NATO in the High North and actively …
Scotland Office
12
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
We recommend that the UK Government convene discussions with its NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies about how these alliances should respond to new challenges in the North Atlantic and the High North, and be prepared to take an expanded role in the region if required.
Government response. The government states it routinely convenes discussions with NATO and JEF allies at all levels, with High North and North Atlantic security being a priority for these engagements. It commits to continue monitoring developments and engaging partners to assess new …
Scotland Office
13
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK’s relationships with its Arctic allies are essential to meeting common security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. These relationships will become more important should the challenges in the region become more prominent.
Government response. The government states its High North Strategy commits to working with regional allies through various forums and regularly attends Arctic meetings. While rejecting the appointment of a political Arctic Ambassador, it is recruiting a new UK Senior Arctic lead at …
Scotland Office
14
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK should continue considering how it can best contribute to diplomacy and collaborative problem-solving in the North Atlantic and the High North. Actions it could take include stepping up its participation in existing fora where appropriate and considering the appointment of a dedicated ambassador or envoy to the Arctic …
Government response. The government will continue to send delegations to Arctic forums and is recruiting a new UK Senior Arctic lead at ambassadorial rank to strengthen engagement. It does not believe appointing a political Arctic Ambassador is the right approach for the …
Scotland Office
15
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
Cooperation around the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which has enabled Norwegian aircraft to be maintained at RAF Lossiemouth, and RAF aircraft to be supported in Norway, has been a success, and provides a model for similar defence cooperation in the future.
Government response. The government details existing and expanding defence cooperation in the High North, including cold weather training, P8 deployments, and the establishment of a dedicated Littoral Response Group (North), aligning with the successful P-8A cooperation model.
Scotland Office
16
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
Alongside its efforts to develop defence and security cooperation in the North Atlantic and the High North through multilateral institutions, the UK Government should pursue further opportunities for direct bilateral cooperation with Arctic allies, including new NATO members Finland and Sweden. (Paragraph 63) Scotland’s contribution to defence in the North …
Government response. The government is expanding cold weather training and defence cooperation with Arctic partners, including Finland and Sweden, and is committed to bilateral collaboration, citing a strong track record of joint exercises and aligned activities.
Scotland Office
18
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK’s ability to project assets into the North Atlantic and High North if required must be maintained, as this is key to both the UK and NATO’s defence strategy. Currently this capability is based primarily at HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth. NATO views the continued presence of a nuclear …
Government response. The government is committed to maintaining its ability to project assets, investing in new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates, spending over £3 billion on Scottish defence sites including £1.6 billion on HMNB Clyde, and £470 million on RAF Lossiemouth infrastructure.
Scotland Office
19
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The committee heard evidence during this inquiry of the need to maintain HM Naval Base Clyde as home to the Royal Navy’s nuclear-armed Vanguard 15 class submarines that form the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent, as well as the Astute Class of attack submarines. Whilst not all Members of the Committee …
Government response. The government welcomes the committee's recognition of HM Naval Base Clyde's strategic importance, confirming it will remain the single operational home for Vanguard and Astute Class submarines, and that investment in it as the UK’s Submarine Centre of Specialisation continues.
Scotland Office
20
Recommendation
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out what scope it considers for the defence presence in Scotland to be sufficiently scaled up to respond to a scenario where the UK has greater obligations in the North Atlantic and the High North. In particular, its response …
Government response. The government states that UK Armed Forces would respond to increased obligations, with the RAF able to rapidly increase assets by revising operational plans for agility. The Army would bolster RAF resilience and could rapidly increase capacity at its Scottish …
Scotland Office
21
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
RAF assets based in Scotland contribute to defence in the North Atlantic and the High North in a number of important ways, including surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and threat response by way of the Quick Reaction Alert jets stationed at RAF Lossiemouth. Several witnesses expressed doubts as to whether the UK …
Government response. The government asserts that its force structure is regularly tested and that capability is not solely measured by aircraft numbers, but by the totality of platforms, systems, and coalition operations. It highlights the 2021 Defence Command Paper and the P-8 …
Scotland Office
22
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
In its response to this report, the UK Government should address the concerns raised in evidence both to this inquiry and to the Defence Committee over whether the number of P-8A, E7 and Typhoon aircraft is sufficient to provide the coverage required in the North Atlantic and the High North, …
Government response. The government addresses concerns by stating that its force structure is regularly tested and capability is assessed by the totality of platforms and systems, including NATO cooperation, not just aircraft numbers. It refers to the 2021 Defence Command Paper and …
Scotland Office
23
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK needs a clear sense of what kind of specialised cold weather capability it will need to meet its objectives in the High North. We heard that the UK currently has limited capability for operating in extremely cold environments. Where there are gaps, and these cannot be filled by …
Government response. The government has committed to developing sustainable cold weather capability, will examine options to bolster its cold weather equipment and infrastructure, and plans to conduct regular cold weather training with partners. Its refreshed Cold Weather Warfare doctrine will be tested …
Scotland Office
24
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
The UK Government must review, and report to the House, the extent to which, now and in the future, what capability is needed to operate in extremely cold environments at the scale required to meet evolving defence and security objectives in the High North. The review should consider what equipment …
Government response. The government states it is already developing, testing, and analysing cold weather capabilities through existing programmes and exercises. Its Cold Weather Warfare doctrine has been refreshed and will be tested in Q1 2024 and ratified in Q2 2024.
Scotland Office
28
Conclusion
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotland: t…
Accepted
When developing and deploying new space-based technologies in support of defence objectives in the High North, the UK Government should make the most of Scotland’s innovative and rapidly growing space sector, and its geographical advantages as a base for launching satellites into polar orbits. The Ministry of Defence and Department …
Government response. The government details its National Space Strategy, DSIT's work with Scottish stakeholders, and £50 million funding (including £31.5 million for vertical launch from Scotland) to develop the UK space sector and harness Scotland's potential.
Scotland Office