Source · Select Committees · National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
4th Report – The National Security Strategy
National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)
HC 1045
Published 27 March 2026
Recommendations
34
Rejected
The Government should provide a clear, written definition of what a sovereign capability is, including...
Recommendation
The Government should provide a clear, written definition of what a sovereign capability is, including different levels of sovereignty. The Government should also outline which specific existing and emerging technologies it is seeking to develop, and to what level of …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejected the need for a strict written definition of sovereign capability or a restrictive list of technologies, arguing a flexible approach through existing strategic frameworks like the Industrial Strategy and NSIA provides clarity while avoiding risks of obsolescence or revealing vulnerabilities.
Cabinet Office
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Conclusions (1)
32
Conclusion
Rejected
The National Security Strategy is clear that sovereignty over certain national security capabilities, including nuclear, emerging technologies, shipbuilding and steelmaking, is important. However, beyond this, there is no clear definition of how the Government defines what it considers to be a sovereign capability. Nor is there sufficient indication of what …
Government Response Summary
The government rejects providing a strict definition or published list of sovereign capabilities, citing risks. It states clarity is instead provided through existing strategic frameworks like the Industrial Strategy and the National Security and Investment Act, with further details coming in the Defence Investment Plan.