Recommendations & Conclusions
7 items
1
Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
From the evidence it is clear that there was a disconnect between the assessment of the threat of an infectious disease pandemic (flu or otherwise) and the preparations for such an event occurring. Subsequent government actions (such as the re-drawing of crisis machinery and the need to urgently procure large …
Government response. The Government notes the Committee’s recommendation.
Ministry of Defence
2
Recommendation
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
Civilian agencies will inevitably require assistance in a crisis of this scale and there should be no stigma in seeking help from the Armed Forces. However, it is clear that preparations for a non-man-made threat such as an infectious disease pandemic were afforded less priority than issues such as terrorism, …
Government response. Defence support to other Government departments is channelled through the well- defined Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA) process, which allows the most effective solution for the requesting department to be established. Where there are viable non- Defence solutions to …
Ministry of Defence
3
Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have made a vital contribution to the UK’s management of the coronavirus pandemic. This crisis has served to highlight once again the unique flexibility and versatility of our Armed Forces. We express our gratitude to the men and women of the Armed …
Government response. The Government recognises the vital and effective contribution to the UK’s pandemic response made by uniformed and civilian Defence personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique national challenge, and Defence personnel have supported wherever and however required across the …
Ministry of Defence
4
Recommendation
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
We believe earlier use could have been made of Defence’s unique capabilities and skills, notably in the areas of strategic planning and crisis management. We are surprised that lessons from earlier crises were not learnt and that as a result the Armed Forces’ unique capabilities were not properly used. It …
Government response. The Government notes the Committee’s recommendations. The Armed Forces have a culture of ‘getting after a problem’ and a structure that supports a ‘Plan, Refine and then Execute’ approach. This helps them bring organisation and composure in times of crisis, …
Ministry of Defence
5
Recommendation
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
As the UK emerges from the pandemic, and in light of the UN Secretary General’s words that “in an interconnected world, none of us is safe until all of us are safe”, the Armed Forces may also have an important role to play in ensuring the vaccine reaches those in …
Government response. The Government’s top priority is to administer the COVID-19 vaccine as quickly as possible across the UK. Defence has worked tirelessly to support this effort, working closely with NHS England, the Devolved Administrations and government’s overseas to support the roll-out …
Ministry of Defence
6
Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
We encourage the Department to publish the outcome of its Lessons Summit to enable the learning from this experience to be promulgated as widely as possible. Defence must ensure that it evaluates its own response to the pandemic, while contributing to the wider cross-government review (and any public inquiry) to …
Government response. The Government understands the importance of constant evaluation and improvement of its crises response procedures and regularly identifies lessons to improve arrangements for the future. Only through such activities can we ensure we continually deliver to the highest of our …
Ministry of Defence
7
Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defe…
In addition to delaying the publication of the Integrated Review, it seems inevitable that the pandemic must also influence its conclusions. Coronavirus has highlighted serious deficiencies in the UK’s domestic resilience in the face of an anticipated threat. We have agreed this Report before publication of the Integrated Review, but …
Government response. The Integrated Review has considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which Defence was called upon to support the cross-Government response. We will improve our ability to test and develop our capabilities through contingency planning and …
Ministry of Defence