Source · Select Committees · National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 6
6
Acknowledged
The lack of clarity over which departments are responsible for which areas of national security...
Conclusion
The lack of clarity over which departments are responsible for which areas of national security policy hampers the possibility for external scrutiny and challenge of national security policy delivery. Our opinion was further solidified when the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology declined to put forward a minister to give evidence to this inquiry alongside the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and the Minister for Security. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government described its internal approach for accountability, assigning lead departments and offering to update the committee on progress. It supported the principle of ministerial accountability but reserved the right to determine which minister is best placed to attend.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government has developed an internal implementation approach to ensure accountability and delivery of the National Security Strategy objectives. Our national security is not the remit of one department or minister; we have identified specific objectives and assigned lead and assisting departments. They are responsible for periodic reporting on progress and taking action to address any deficiencies. The Government has offered to update the Committee on progress through formal public sessions and confidential sessions where appropriate. The Government supports the principle of Ministerial accountability and Ministers should attend sessions when called upon. However, the Government should be able to confirm which Ministers are best placed to represent the issue at hand and can best provide the Committee the Government’s position.