Source · Select Committees · National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted in Part
All Ministers with responsibility for delivery of aspects of the National Security Strategy should make...
Recommendation
All Ministers with responsibility for delivery of aspects of the National Security Strategy should make themselves available for scrutiny by this Committee at regular intervals, and as requested, to ensure proper parliamentary accountability. (Recommendation, Paragraph 42)
Government Response Summary
The government accepted the principle of ministerial accountability and that ministers should attend when called upon, but stated that the government should be able to confirm which minister is best placed to represent the issue.
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.