Recommendations & Conclusions
17 items
2
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
In its response to this report, the Government should set out how and when the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers will be involved in the Review process. Additionally, we seek clarity regarding: a. Which Cabinet Minister will chair the Review process in the Prime Minister’s absence b. What role …
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In its response to this report, the Government should set out how and when the Prime Minister and other Cabinet Ministers will be involved in the Review process. Additionally, we seek clarity regarding: a. Which Cabinet Minister will chair the Review process in the Prime Minister’s absence b. What role the No 10 Policy Unit and Specialist Advisers will play in the Review process The Government should: c. Set out the respective roles and responsibilities of the NSC and its relevant sub-committees, the Cabinet and Government Departments in the Review process d. Explain what role the National Security Adviser and NSC(O) will play in the Review process and what role the National Security Strategy and Implementation Group will play in driving integration at an official level, and e. Explain whether thematic workstreams have been identified.
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Government response AI summary
The government details the leadership structure of the Integrated Review, including the roles of the Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, NSC, and specific taskforces. It also confirms that five thematic workstreams have been identified for the Review.
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Ministry of Defence
3
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
The Review should assess and report on the effectiveness of existing Government structures and policies designed to facilitate cross- Government collaboration. This should include a review of the National Security Council and associated policy frameworks and funds, such as the Fusion Doctrine and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund. If …
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The Review should assess and report on the effectiveness of existing Government structures and policies designed to facilitate cross- Government collaboration. This should include a review of the National Security Council and associated policy frameworks and funds, such as the Fusion Doctrine and the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund. If existing collaboration is inadequate, the Review should identify ways to ensure greater cross-Government collaboration in the future.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that the Integrated Review is currently considering all cross-Government collaboration and assessing the effectiveness of all relevant structures and systems in the context of national security and international policy.
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Ministry of Defence
4
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
To ensure lessons are learned from previous security and defence Reviews, the Integrated Review should engage with a wide range of stakeholders who were engaged in or scrutinised previous Reviews and the policies, programmes and military deployments that flowed from them.
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To ensure lessons are learned from previous security and defence Reviews, the Integrated Review should engage with a wide range of stakeholders who were engaged in or scrutinised previous Reviews and the policies, programmes and military deployments that flowed from them.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that officials have met and will continue to meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including former Ministers, national security and defence officials, allies, the defence industry, civil society, think tanks, and academia, to ensure openness and transparency.
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Ministry of Defence
5
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted in Part
The Government should review how far these activities were aligned with or deviated from the outcomes of previous Reviews, in order to better In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 55 understand how to ensure the Integrated Review provides a sustainable and actionable framework for the future. In …
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The Government should review how far these activities were aligned with or deviated from the outcomes of previous Reviews, in order to better In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 55 understand how to ensure the Integrated Review provides a sustainable and actionable framework for the future. In response to our report, if it has not done so before, the Government should: a. Explain how existing lessons learned will inform the Review b. Set out what new analysis will be carried out c. Ensure that there are effective mechanisms for implementing the Review, and d. Explain how the Review’s successes or failings will be measured.
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Government response AI summary
The government states the Integrated Review has incorporated lessons from previous reviews and is conducting deep analysis. However, the detailed mechanisms for implementation and how the Review's success will be measured will be included in the forthcoming published document.
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Ministry of Defence
6
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s ambition to conduct the “deepest” and “most radical review since the Cold War.” At a time of such geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is vital that the Review involves thorough consideration of the desired “ends” of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy as well …
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We welcome the Government’s ambition to conduct the “deepest” and “most radical review since the Cold War.” At a time of such geopolitical and economic uncertainty, it is vital that the Review involves thorough consideration of the desired “ends” of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy as well as the “ways” and “means” required to achieve them. To realise its ambition, Government must identify and overcome the factors that contribute to a Review becoming a “business as usual” exercise. By answering the questions laid out in this report, the Review can overcome the tensions inherent in the Review process and identify and question assumptions at the heart of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy. In response to this Report, Government should: a. Set out the mechanisms and approach to challenging assumptions underpinning the UK’s defence strategy b. Explain what role the Dstl’s Defence Wargaming Centre and MoD’s Strategic Net Assessment Unit will play
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Government response AI summary
The Government agrees that challenging assumptions is critical and outlines mechanisms for this, including external workshops, an integrated whole-of-government approach, and MOD internal processes. It also confirms that expertise from the DSTL Wargaming Centre and the Strategic Net Assessment Team has been used to inform …
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Ministry of Defence
7
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Acknowledged
It remains to be seen whether the foreign policy aspect of the Review will produce a distinct Foreign Policy Strategy or whether this will be combined with a National Security Strategy. Whether the Review produces one, two, or three documents, we have heard that it must first clearly identify the …
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It remains to be seen whether the foreign policy aspect of the Review will produce a distinct Foreign Policy Strategy or whether this will be combined with a National Security Strategy. Whether the Review produces one, two, or three documents, we have heard that it must first clearly identify the desired “ends” of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy. It is only by developing a detailed conceptual framework for the UK’s security and foreign policy that the Review will be able to identify and question current assumptions and provide an evidence-base to make decisions about the UK’s future defence policy and posture. We therefore recommend that the Review explains how the Government views risk, includes clear and detailed definitions of how the Government understands key terms such as “security” and “resilience” and provides answers to the following questions: a. What is the UK’s understanding of the concepts of national, international and human security and the relationships between them? In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 56 b. What does domestic resilience mean and how is it related to the UK’s foreign and defence policy? c. What security and defence priorities emerge from an analysis of the UK’s domestic priorities? In what ways are they complementary and in what ways do they conflict? d. How does the UK view the international system and its place within it?
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Integrated Review is addressing all the issues raised regarding explaining risk, defining key terms, and answering the specific questions posed, without providing further detail.
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Ministry of Defence
8
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Acknowledged
We have heard that in order to identify the desired “ends” of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy, the Review must clearly articulate the UK’s interests and values. Whilst scrutiny of the UK’s foreign policy falls to the Foreign Affairs Committee, from a defence perspective we believe that …
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We have heard that in order to identify the desired “ends” of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy, the Review must clearly articulate the UK’s interests and values. Whilst scrutiny of the UK’s foreign policy falls to the Foreign Affairs Committee, from a defence perspective we believe that the Review should answer the following questions: a. How does the UK define its national interest abroad? b. What role do values play in the UK’s foreign policy? c. How will the UK pursue its objectives through hard and soft power instruments?
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that all the points regarding the UK's national interest, values, and pursuit of objectives through hard and soft power will be addressed by the Review, which will consider the ends, ways, and means of UK policy.
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Ministry of Defence
9
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Acknowledged
Particularly at a time of such geopolitical uncertainty, it is vital that the foreign policy aspect of the review reflects the UK’s understanding of, and ambitions for, its international relationships and partnerships. Our colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee are conducting an inquiry into the foreign policy aspects of the …
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Particularly at a time of such geopolitical uncertainty, it is vital that the foreign policy aspect of the review reflects the UK’s understanding of, and ambitions for, its international relationships and partnerships. Our colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee are conducting an inquiry into the foreign policy aspects of the Review, but, from a defence perspective, the politics and power involved in international relationships are an essential reference point for understanding the threats and risks to the UK’s national and international priorities and the defence capabilities which are required to defend and protect them. The Review should therefore include a clear and detailed analysis of the UK’s approach to: a. Bilateral relationships (notably, with the U.S. and key EU member states) b. Multinational security and defence alliances (notably, NATO and the Five Eyes) c. Relationship with the European Union and the U.N, Commonwealth, G20/G7 and other regional groupings.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that the Integrated Review will define the UK's role and strategic aims in the world, acknowledging that its network of bilateral relationships and alliances will be an important theme. However, it does not explicitly commit to a clear and detailed analysis of …
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Ministry of Defence
10
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
It remains to be seen whether the forthcoming Review will include an update to the National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) or whether a new approach will emerge. Whether or not the Review uses the terminology of the NSRA, we suggest that if this aspect of the Review is to provide …
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It remains to be seen whether the forthcoming Review will include an update to the National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) or whether a new approach will emerge. Whether or not the Review uses the terminology of the NSRA, we suggest that if this aspect of the Review is to provide a useful guide to inform the UK’s defence posture, it should adhere to the following principles: In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 57 Input Output Review • Draws on a wide • Establishes broad • Subject to robust range of sources threat and risk challenge from categories within and outside • Considers the Government capability and • Distinguishes intent of the UK’s between short term • Communicated adversaries and allies and long-term risks to Parliament and and threats the public in a way • Considers that balances the the impact and • Includes a need for secrecy threats posed by clear and realistic with the benefits of new and emerging prioritisation transparency technologies • Recognises the drivers of conflict and instability • Takes account of the changing character of warfare
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the existing National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) is regularly updated and integral to building resilience and informing defence posture. Recommendations from the Integrated Review will be incorporated into the NSRA as appropriate.
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Ministry of Defence
11
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
We welcome the Review’s focus on intensifying geopolitical competition in light of COVID-19. To deliver a robust assessment of the capabilities and short and long term ambitions of hostile foreign states, the Review must consider the full range of Russia and China’s economic, diplomatic and military activities and include a …
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We welcome the Review’s focus on intensifying geopolitical competition in light of COVID-19. To deliver a robust assessment of the capabilities and short and long term ambitions of hostile foreign states, the Review must consider the full range of Russia and China’s economic, diplomatic and military activities and include a thorough assessment of their internal political dynamics
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Integrated Review has already drawn on all-source assessments of many countries' capabilities, intent, and internal dynamics, addressing the committee's recommendation.
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Ministry of Defence
12
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
Existing spending commitments are a necessary but insufficient basis for approaching funding decisions in the Integrated Review. Whilst the economic outlook for the UK remains uncertain, it is imperative that funding considerations are informed by the Review’s strategic analysis and not the other way around. The Integrated Review should look …
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Existing spending commitments are a necessary but insufficient basis for approaching funding decisions in the Integrated Review. Whilst the economic outlook for the UK remains uncertain, it is imperative that funding considerations are informed by the Review’s strategic analysis and not the other way around. The Integrated Review should look beyond the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defence to consider what financial resources are required to ensure that defence can contribute to achieving the priorities of the UK’s security.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states it has not limited its thinking and is running the Comprehensive Spending Review in parallel with the Integrated Review to ensure resources are informed by strategic analysis. It views the 2% GDP defence spending target as a floor, not a ceiling, and …
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Ministry of Defence
13
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
To ensure that the Review considers the ways, ends and means of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy in the round, the Government must set out the mechanisms that will be used to ensure the alignment between the Integrated Review and the Comprehensive Spending Review and clarify the …
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To ensure that the Review considers the ways, ends and means of the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy in the round, the Government must set out the mechanisms that will be used to ensure the alignment between the Integrated Review and the Comprehensive Spending Review and clarify the baseline for increases in defence spending.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that the Integrated Review and Comprehensive Spending Review will remain closely aligned, with MOD's CSR submission reflecting the IR's policy propositions. It also clarifies that all MOD business areas are engaged to ensure a robust and deliverable financial baseline to meet future …
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Ministry of Defence
14
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
We urge the Government to consider a long-term multi-year financial settlement for defence, in order to ensure that the Integrated Review provides a reliable basis for planning the UK’s future defence posture. In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 58 Without this assurance, ongoing issues with the affordability …
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We urge the Government to consider a long-term multi-year financial settlement for defence, in order to ensure that the Integrated Review provides a reliable basis for planning the UK’s future defence posture. In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 58 Without this assurance, ongoing issues with the affordability and availability of the UK’s defence capabilities will persist and our role in the world diminished.
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Government response AI summary
The Government confirms that the Comprehensive Spending Review will provide a multi-year financial settlement for Defence to enable the delivery of policy priorities set out in the Integrated Review, stating its position has not changed.
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Ministry of Defence
15
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
The Integrated Review is an opportunity for the Ministry of Defence to explain how our Armed Forces will fight in the future. It is promising that work is underway to develop new operating concepts but it is vitally important that this work is communicated to wider Government stakeholders involved in …
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The Integrated Review is an opportunity for the Ministry of Defence to explain how our Armed Forces will fight in the future. It is promising that work is underway to develop new operating concepts but it is vitally important that this work is communicated to wider Government stakeholders involved in the Review before its completion. As demonstrated by COVID-19, our Armed Forces are required to fulfil a diverse range of domestic and international tasks. Their concept of operations must realistically reflect what commitments are possible with the resources and capabilities available. These concepts should inform capability and funding decisions made as part of the Review and, given their significance, one key output of the Review should be to formally record these new operating concepts in doctrine.
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Government response AI summary
The government highlights the Integrated Operating Concept 2025, launched in September 2020, which outlines a new approach to military operations and is actively informing Defence's contribution to the Integrated Review, including capability and resource decisions.
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Ministry of Defence
16
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Acknowledged
Capability decisions made as part of the Review should be informed by the Review’s foreign policy analysis, threat and risk assessment and defence operating concepts. Defence planning assumptions and the UK’s overall defence posture should be reviewed, and informed by the following questions: a. What platforms, weapons and personnel, readiness …
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Capability decisions made as part of the Review should be informed by the Review’s foreign policy analysis, threat and risk assessment and defence operating concepts. Defence planning assumptions and the UK’s overall defence posture should be reviewed, and informed by the following questions: a. What platforms, weapons and personnel, readiness and maintenance are required to ensure the resilience, availability and adaptability of the UK’s Armed Forces? b. What “critical mass” is required for our Armed Forces to respond to the threats and risks to the UK? c. What investment and innovation are required to respond to and exploit technological developments? d. Which existing capabilities can be enhanced or retired?
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the Integrated Review is an opportunity for Defence to rebalance and modernize forces by investing in new capabilities and divesting from less useful ones. MOD planning teams are currently assessing future operating environments and proposing capabilities to counter emerging threats.
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Ministry of Defence
17
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
Given that systemic challenges have not been resolved in the previous thirteen reviews of defence procurement, we doubt that the Integrated Review will come up with even a short-term fix. We believe that the Review ought to address the strategic issues that should underpin the UK’s approach to defence procurement, …
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Given that systemic challenges have not been resolved in the previous thirteen reviews of defence procurement, we doubt that the Integrated Review will come up with even a short-term fix. We believe that the Review ought to address the strategic issues that should underpin the UK’s approach to defence procurement, in order to provide a sound basis to address these challenges in the future. The UK’s capability priorities and force structure should inform the answers to the following strategic questions on the procurement process: a. What capabilities and skills must remain sovereign and what can be bought “off-the-shelf”? What are the implications for operational advantage, freedom of action, cost and national prosperity? ) b. How does the UK define value for money in defence procurement? In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 59 c. How can UK defence procurement ensure the resilience of logistics and supply? d. How can the procurement process be used to foster innovation and ensure access to intellectual property? e. Is defence procurement, research and development keeping pace with future requirements? f. How will lessons from procurement failures be captured and addressed? The Committee welcomes ongoing work to review the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy. This strategy should be informed by the strategic decisions made as part of the Integrated Review. The Committee will continue to explore the UK’s defence industrial policy in our ongoing parallel inquiry on this topic.
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Government response AI summary
The Government details a cross-Government review of the defence and security industry (a), states its procurement approach considers all relevant costs and benefits (b), and describes upgraded investment decision-making processes, including three-step approvals and improved lessons learned initiatives, to address strategic issues in procurement (c-f).
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Ministry of Defence
18
Recommendation
In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integr…
Accepted
We have heard that external engagement in the Review process provides a challenge function to the Government’s understanding, can act as an early signpost to stakeholders who can contribute to achieving the UK’s security and defence priorities and contributes to the legitimacy of the review’s outcomes. External consultation must be …
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We have heard that external engagement in the Review process provides a challenge function to the Government’s understanding, can act as an early signpost to stakeholders who can contribute to achieving the UK’s security and defence priorities and contributes to the legitimacy of the review’s outcomes. External consultation must be structured in a clear and transparent way so that all interested stakeholders can contribute. In some cases, there may be existing mechanisms for Government to solicit the views of external stakeholders (such as the Defence Suppliers Forum, the CDS’ Strategy Forum, and the Defence Policy Board) and in other cases new mechanisms and approaches should be explored. In its response to this report, Government should describe the process by which the following constituencies will be involved in the Review: a. Parliament (including relevant Select Committees) b. The public c. Civil society and academia d. International allies and partners e. Industry and trade associations f. Serving Armed Forces personnel of all ranks (Paragraph 130) In Search of Strategy — The 2020 Integrated Review 60
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Government response AI summary
The government outlines the extensive external engagement process for the Integrated Review, including briefings for Parliament, a public call for evidence, engagement with civil society, academia, international partners, industry, and input from serving Armed Forces personnel.
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Ministry of Defence