Source · Select Committees · National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 7
7
Accepted in Part
The Government must clarify how follow-up and oversight of Lead Government Departments responsible for delivering...
Recommendation
The Government must clarify how follow-up and oversight of Lead Government Departments responsible for delivering the commitments in the National Security Strategy (NSS) will be sustained over time. This should involve accountability mechanisms at fixed points, for example through regular reporting to the National Security Adviser and his Deputies. These reporting updates should be included in the regular updates to the Committee, called for in an earlier recommendation. The Government should also publish an addendum to the NSS, which assigns delivery responsibilities for the commitments made in the Strategy to named Ministers within each department. (Recommendation, Paragraph 41)
Government Response Summary
The government describes its internal implementation approach for accountability and periodic reporting on National Security Strategy objectives and commits to updating the Committee on progress. However, it does not agree to publish an addendum assigning delivery responsibilities to named ministers, affirming departmental and ministerial accountability more broadly.
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
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.