Source · Select Committees · Committees on Arms Export Controls
Recommendation 36
36
Accepted
Paragraph: 110
While the priority should always be the safety and evacuation of people, we seek assurances...
Recommendation
While the priority should always be the safety and evacuation of people, we seek assurances that the Government plans for the risk of military items falling into the hands of adversaries when undertaking operations, especially when planning the withdrawal from conflict zones. In response to our Report, the Government should set out the mechanisms in place to do so and what lessons have been learned from the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Government Response Summary
The government recognizes the importance of planning for the risk of military items falling into the hands of adversaries and states it has robust mechanisms in place, including risk assessments, contingency planning, and close coordination with allies, and that lessons were learned from Afghanistan.
Paragraph Reference:
110
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Government recognises the importance of planning for the risk of military items falling into the hands of adversaries when undertaking operations, especially when planning the withdrawal from conflict zones. We have robust mechanisms in place to do so, including risk assessments, contingency planning, and close coordination with allies. In the case of Afghanistan, the priority was always the safety and evacuation of people. However, we also took steps to minimise the risk of military items falling into the hands of adversaries. These steps included destroying or removing sensitive equipment, and providing training and support to Afghan security forces. The Government has learned lessons from the withdrawal from Afghanistan, and we will continue to improve our planning and preparation for future operations. This includes ensuring that we have robust mechanisms in place to manage the risk of military items falling into the hands of adversaries.