Decision-making in Defence Policy

The government notes the Committee's inquiry, welcomes its recognition of the Levene reforms and the National Security Council, and does not accept the Committee's criticisms of the National Security Council.

• On Helmand, the government acknowledges that, "with hindsight, mistakes were made" and says it shares that view. On the carriers, the Department "acknowledges the shortcomings" in past decision-making.
• On the National Security Council, the government states: "we do not accept the Committee's criticisms". It says the NSC "is a committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister".
• On expertise and training, it "agree[s] an appropriate degree of subject specialism, as well as management skill is required in the civil service" and says it is "taking steps to improve these skills", citing the Defence Academy.
• On any review of Afghanistan, it says "No decisions have been taken yet" and that it will look at broader lessons "in due course". It will use the forthcoming National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review to "consider where we can go further".