Recommendations & Conclusions
23 items
1
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
It is difficult not to feel a sense of déjà vu as we see British military ambitions which are not entirely matched by resources. Open conflict has returned to Europe and it is disappointing to see that the Government is not preparing for the impact of inflation and insufficient industrial …
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It is difficult not to feel a sense of déjà vu as we see British military ambitions which are not entirely matched by resources. Open conflict has returned to Europe and it is disappointing to see that the Government is not preparing for the impact of inflation and insufficient industrial capacity on the production of defence equipment as it looks to meet the new challenges. Paragraph 8) The threat
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the shifting context and the less favorable economic and security environment, and states that they continue to monitor and analyze the situation in Ukraine and beyond to ensure their strategic approach remains threat-led and in line with agile planning and delivery mechanisms. …
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Ministry of Defence
2
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
In the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Paper, the Government identified and understood the implications of the range of complex and cascading threats faced by the UK. However, the impact of both the Afghan withdrawal and the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine are being seemingly dismissed as insignificant and …
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In the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Paper, the Government identified and understood the implications of the range of complex and cascading threats faced by the UK. However, the impact of both the Afghan withdrawal and the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine are being seemingly dismissed as insignificant and there appears to be no intention to re-visit the conclusions of the documents. UK Defence thus appears as arrogant and unwilling to learn lessons. Events of the last year have demonstrated that the Government was unprepared for (and in the case of Afghanistan, failed to appropriately respond to) international crises. No strategy should be set in stone nor subject to constant revision. However, there is a need for Government to be able to respond to major events—which it was manifestly not prepared for—rather than downplaying the potential implications of such geopolitical shocks.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that it supports the sentiment of the recommendations made in conclusions 2,3 and 4 and recognises that the context is shifting and Defence will have to adapt accordingly to deliver the IR’s vision. They also state they are supporting the update to …
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Ministry of Defence
3
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
There is a need for a New Chapter update to the IR and the Defence Command Paper which takes into account the events in Afghanistan and Ukraine. The document should then set out how the analysis of the strategic context has changed and what decisions in the Command Paper the …
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There is a need for a New Chapter update to the IR and the Defence Command Paper which takes into account the events in Afghanistan and Ukraine. The document should then set out how the analysis of the strategic context has changed and what decisions in the Command Paper the UK Government is reviewing.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need to adapt to the shifting context, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and supports the sentiment of the recommendations, but commits to no specific review of the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper.
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Ministry of Defence
4
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
The UK public is aware of the threats which the UK faces but does not appear to trust the Government to act in the national interest. Whilst investments in new technology are vital, it is also clear that, the days of “big tank battles on the European landmass” are not …
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The UK public is aware of the threats which the UK faces but does not appear to trust the Government to act in the national interest. Whilst investments in new technology are vital, it is also clear that, the days of “big tank battles on the European landmass” are not over and so a review of the decisions made in the Integrated Review and Defence in a Competitive Age, and the timelines committed to, is important for the UK’s defence and security and for the public’s trust.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need to adapt to the shifting context, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and supports the sentiment of the recommendations, but commits to no specific review of the Integrated Review and Defence in a Competitive Age.
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Ministry of Defence
5
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Accepted
The Government needs to ensure that the public is aware of the link between the cost of living and global instability: the rises in energy and food prices are both directly attributable to the conflict in Ukraine. The Government needs to ensure that they are effectively communicating this to the …
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The Government needs to ensure that the public is aware of the link between the cost of living and global instability: the rises in energy and food prices are both directly attributable to the conflict in Ukraine. The Government needs to ensure that they are effectively communicating this to the public, particularly given the increasing cost of UK support to the Ukrainians.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the MOD has played a full part in the UK Government response in support of Ukraine, including supporting messaging on the link between the cost of living and global instability, through regular and transparent communication.
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Ministry of Defence
6
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
Foreign policy decisions and consequent actions by UK Defence need to be supported by the UK public. The lack of organisation round the withdrawal from Afghanistan damaged the Government’s standing. However, so far, engagement with the public on the Russian offensive in Ukraine and British support for Ukraine has been …
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Foreign policy decisions and consequent actions by UK Defence need to be supported by the UK public. The lack of organisation round the withdrawal from Afghanistan damaged the Government’s standing. However, so far, engagement with the public on the Russian offensive in Ukraine and British support for Ukraine has been regular and transparent. We welcome this approach: the Government needs to build on this. (Paragraph 32) The Integrated Review, Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy 59 The Government’s response to the evolving threat
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the Committee on the importance of public engagement and stated that the UK public has consistently supported the MOD’s contribution to supporting Ukraine.
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Ministry of Defence
7
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy are ambitious papers, aimed at modernising UK defence and ensuring it has equipment suitable for the Information Age. Whilst the conclusions of Defence in a Competitive Age ought to be revisited in light of the conflict in Ukraine, …
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Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy are ambitious papers, aimed at modernising UK defence and ensuring it has equipment suitable for the Information Age. Whilst the conclusions of Defence in a Competitive Age ought to be revisited in light of the conflict in Ukraine, the commitments made in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy ought to be implemented fully. We recognise that this will take time—we urge the MOD to ensure that the changes are seen through. (Paragraph 44) Prioritisation and potential pitfalls
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the support from the Committee in ensuring the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) is fully implemented, and notes progress made in several key areas, with ongoing work to change ways of working and challenge long-standing patterns of thinking.
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Ministry of Defence
8
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Rejected
The reason that lack of publicly available information of the Government’s defence and security priorities presents a problem is that for integration—highlighted by the MoD as absolutely vital for the UK’s security—to be effective, the NSC must set clear priorities, backed with sufficient resources. If we (and the general public) …
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The reason that lack of publicly available information of the Government’s defence and security priorities presents a problem is that for integration—highlighted by the MoD as absolutely vital for the UK’s security—to be effective, the NSC must set clear priorities, backed with sufficient resources. If we (and the general public) are not aware of the priorities or the progress made on them, we cannot say with certainty whether we are being adequately protected by our Government.
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Government response AI summary
The government disputes the recommendation, asserting that the IR and Command Paper already outlined the government's priorities and Defense's contribution.
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Ministry of Defence
9
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
The lack of prioritisation means that it is impossible to determine which of the threats highlighted the Government perceives to be greatest. It also results in the military seemingly being the answer for every question whilst not being appropriately resourced for the task.
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The lack of prioritisation means that it is impossible to determine which of the threats highlighted the Government perceives to be greatest. It also results in the military seemingly being the answer for every question whilst not being appropriately resourced for the task.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that the UK Armed Forces are configured to respond to all types of threats, and that priorities are set out in the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper, but provides no specifics on how these priorities are weighed.
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Ministry of Defence
10
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Accepted
We are further concerned by the use of the UK Armed Forces as a ‘backfill’, employed to carry out civilian tasks by Departments which are seemingly unable to respond to crises themselves. This is compounded by the MOD’s failure to respond to the 18 recommendations made by the Reserves Review.
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We are further concerned by the use of the UK Armed Forces as a ‘backfill’, employed to carry out civilian tasks by Departments which are seemingly unable to respond to crises themselves. This is compounded by the MOD’s failure to respond to the 18 recommendations made by the Reserves Review.
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Government response AI summary
The MOD will only provide military support as a last resort and is in line with agreed contingency plans and arrangements to provide UK resilience and work is underway across Defence to transform systems, policies, and processes regarding reserve forces.
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Ministry of Defence
11
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Accepted in Part
We recommend that the MOD publish annual figures for the assistance provided to other Government Departments and to public authorities. This list should include the number of personnel deployed, the length of deployment, the task they were deployed for, the cost of the task and the renumeration received by the …
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We recommend that the MOD publish annual figures for the assistance provided to other Government Departments and to public authorities. This list should include the number of personnel deployed, the length of deployment, the task they were deployed for, the cost of the task and the renumeration received by the Department. Furthermore we recommend that the MOD commit to publishing its response to the Reserves Review in the Autumn.
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Government response AI summary
The MOD already publishes much of the requested detail related to the provision of military assistance. The MOD will consider the extent to which it is possible to provide a more detailed breakdown of MACA operations. The Government will provide a response to the Reserves …
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Ministry of Defence
12
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
Alongside the Permanent Secretary’s acknowledgement that some of the risk judgements made within the Integrated Review process might need to be revisited in light of events in Ukraine, it is clear that the capability gaps which the Defence Command Paper saw as acceptable are now no longer palatable. Furthermore, the …
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Alongside the Permanent Secretary’s acknowledgement that some of the risk judgements made within the Integrated Review process might need to be revisited in light of events in Ukraine, it is clear that the capability gaps which the Defence Command Paper saw as acceptable are now no longer palatable. Furthermore, the move to such a position relies on technological innovation and the adoption of digital capabilities (such as Ajax and the Digital Backbone, as noted above).
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the capability gaps are no longer palatable and states that they will conduct an update to the IR to ensure sufficient investment in strategic capabilities and alliances, considering how to mitigate near-term risks. Defence Digital is leading a programme to modernize skills, …
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Ministry of Defence
13
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
The MOD faces a number of challenges following decisions made in the Integrated Review: the likelihood of a capability gap, as equipment is retired before its replacement is introduced; a reduction in the British Army’s heavy armour and mass at a time when tank battles are raging in Ukraine; and …
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The MOD faces a number of challenges following decisions made in the Integrated Review: the likelihood of a capability gap, as equipment is retired before its replacement is introduced; a reduction in the British Army’s heavy armour and mass at a time when tank battles are raging in Ukraine; and a reliance on not yet tested, let alone proven, technology, to counteract that reduction in equipment and numbers. There are also valid questions about whether the resources allocated to the task of moving the UK Armed Forces into the information age are adequate—a 60 The Integrated Review, Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy number of our witnesses seem to believe not.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges concerns regarding capability gaps, reduction in heavy armour, and reliance on untested technology, and states that modernization must remain the focus while also addressing near-term readiness risks. They will continue to review capabilities and readiness levels as part of the Government’s decision …
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Ministry of Defence
14
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
It is clear that, even if the Government decides to proceed with the decisions taken in the IR and the Defence Command Paper, the timeline of changes ought also to be reviewed given the potential for capability gaps which leave the UK Armed Forces vulnerable. We are especially concerned about …
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It is clear that, even if the Government decides to proceed with the decisions taken in the IR and the Defence Command Paper, the timeline of changes ought also to be reviewed given the potential for capability gaps which leave the UK Armed Forces vulnerable. We are especially concerned about the proposed cuts to personnel numbers and the effective reduction in mass, particularly since that we are seeing Defence being used more and more often as an emergency measure to relieve exceptional pressures on public services and perform such tasks that otherwise might be expected to be carried out by others. In this context, we welcome the decision by the new Chief of the General Staff to describe the cuts as “perverse” and, as a first step, the Secretary of State’s seeming acknowledgement of the need to review the decision.
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Government response AI summary
The government stated that the Army will have a whole force of over 100,000, continues to monitor the security environment in Eastern Europe, and the Army keeps its plans under review. There are currently no plans to reverse the Army’s reduction in regular personnel, but …
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Ministry of Defence
15
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
There is a danger of overstretch. The Government needs to ensure that the military is properly resourced with both equipment and personnel to carry out the tasks required of it. To do this, we recommend there be a wholesale re-examination of the decisions on capabilities and timeframes within the Defence …
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There is a danger of overstretch. The Government needs to ensure that the military is properly resourced with both equipment and personnel to carry out the tasks required of it. To do this, we recommend there be a wholesale re-examination of the decisions on capabilities and timeframes within the Defence Command Paper and the decisions taken in it following events in Ukraine. (Paragraph 79) Integration and funding
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Government response AI summary
The government supports the sentiment of the Committee’s recommendation for a wholesale re-examination of the decisions on capabilities and timeframes within the Defence Command Paper, and assures the Committee that this work is underway, including as part of the Government’s ongoing review of the IR.
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Ministry of Defence
16
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Accepted
Integration is key to the effective implementation of the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Papers. It is clear that this requires a long-term commitment, with decisions consistently re-evaluated as progress is made. It further requires a cohesive, effective and dedicated Government which is able to work collaboratively towards a …
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Integration is key to the effective implementation of the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Papers. It is clear that this requires a long-term commitment, with decisions consistently re-evaluated as progress is made. It further requires a cohesive, effective and dedicated Government which is able to work collaboratively towards a common goal.
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Government response AI summary
The government has adopted an approach to drive the IR's objectives within the existing core business of all relevant Departments, agencies and bodies and is upgrading its culture and capabilities to improve decision-making, performance and impact.
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Ministry of Defence
17
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Accepted
If Afghanistan was intended to be an example of effective policy integration in action then it leaves a lot to be desired. It is even more worrying given that the NSC apparently gave the political direction required to bring together a ‘whole- of-systems’ approach. If the NSC set the appropriate …
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If Afghanistan was intended to be an example of effective policy integration in action then it leaves a lot to be desired. It is even more worrying given that the NSC apparently gave the political direction required to bring together a ‘whole- of-systems’ approach. If the NSC set the appropriate direction then it leads to two pertinent questions: why did implementation of the policy, agreed by Ministers, fail? And how can the Government ensure that integrated, cross-Government policy decisions—made by those Ministers who have been elected by the UK public and accountable to them and this Parliament—are fully implemented in future? The fact that these Departments are carrying out individual lessons learned exercises, rather than a single integrated exercise, is concerning. Furthermore, the Government has failed to take disciplinary action against any senior individual for any (of the many) mistakes made during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that UK policy on Afghanistan has been made across Government, co-ordinated by the Cabinet Office, working to Cabinet Ministers in the relevant Cabinet Sub-Committee.
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Ministry of Defence
18
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Accepted
The Government should publish the actions agreed by each of the Departments as a result of the lessons learned exercises which examined the response to the Afghanistan crisis, together with a time frame for implementation.
Government response AI summary
The government states that it already outlined the lessons learned and exercises undertaken following the withdrawal from Afghanistan in its Official Response to the Foreign Affairs Committee’s report, published 29 July 2022, and the MOD publicly outlined its position to the Defence Committee.
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Ministry of Defence
19
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Deferred
We welcome the uplift to the MOD’s budget in 2020 and the four-year budget commitment. However, inflationary pressures and an increase in the scale of threat means that it is no longer enough. At the same time, serious concerns persist around a number of procurement programmes. The Department now needs …
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We welcome the uplift to the MOD’s budget in 2020 and the four-year budget commitment. However, inflationary pressures and an increase in the scale of threat means that it is no longer enough. At the same time, serious concerns persist around a number of procurement programmes. The Department now needs a strategy to regain both Parliament’s and the public’s trust in its procurement abilities. We are The Integrated Review, Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy 61 concerned that a real terms fall in sustainment funding (RDEL) up to 2024–25 will erode the Armed Forces’ ability to maintain and train on military equipment. We recommend a further, long-term increase to the budget but the MOD must ensure that money is not wasted. We recommend a further, long-term increase to the budget but the MOD must ensure that money is not wasted.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the conclusion and states that further details regarding spending plans will be announced in the Autumn Statement on 17 November, declining to provide these in advance.
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Ministry of Defence
20
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Rejected
There are significant challenges to integration but none that concerns us as much as the MOD’s procurement difficulties. For instance, the MOD has made it clear that in order to achieve integration and utilise new technologies, it needs an effective digital network. Without that network, few of the suggested benefits …
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There are significant challenges to integration but none that concerns us as much as the MOD’s procurement difficulties. For instance, the MOD has made it clear that in order to achieve integration and utilise new technologies, it needs an effective digital network. Without that network, few of the suggested benefits are accrued. Yet its track record in large and complex programmes is abysmal. We recommend that the Government identify those programmes which are critical enablers and ensure there is additional scrutiny of them. Furthermore, it needs to identify international partners with whom it can collaborate on the technologically advanced equipment that the UK Armed Forces require. (Paragraph 104) What next?
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Government response AI summary
The government does not accept that the Department’s track record of delivering large and complex programmes is abysmal and outlined examples of success and improvements made to MOD processes and acquisition.
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Ministry of Defence
21
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
The lack of a definition of what it means to be integrated makes it somewhat difficult to measure the success of the Government in achieving its objectives. However, we will continue to evaluate the implementation of the Integrated Review, the Defence Command Paper and the DSIS throughout the life of …
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The lack of a definition of what it means to be integrated makes it somewhat difficult to measure the success of the Government in achieving its objectives. However, we will continue to evaluate the implementation of the Integrated Review, the Defence Command Paper and the DSIS throughout the life of this Parliament.
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Government response AI summary
The government provides its definition of integration, both broadly through interoperability and cooperation, and specifically through Multi-Domain Integration via modernization of communications and information systems.
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Ministry of Defence
22
Conclusion
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
We welcome the Government’s commitment to the publication of an annual review on the implementation of the Integrated Review. However, given that the implementation is the key, consistent evaluation of the implementation of the strategies throughout this Parliament is vital. This Committee, alongside our colleagues on the Public Accounts Committee, …
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We welcome the Government’s commitment to the publication of an annual review on the implementation of the Integrated Review. However, given that the implementation is the key, consistent evaluation of the implementation of the strategies throughout this Parliament is vital. This Committee, alongside our colleagues on the Public Accounts Committee, the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy and the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee, plays a vital role in ensuring that Government decisions, and their implementation, are regularly scrutinised. Since the Integrated Review papers were published, we have published a Report on Naval procurement and are currently holding inquiries examining Defence Space policy, how the UK works with the US and NATO, the tilt to the Indo-Pacific, aviation procurement and the impact of climate change on Defence.
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Government response AI summary
The government recognises the important role the Defence Select Committee and other Parliamentary Committees play in holding Government to account, and the NSA committed to sharing an update with the JCNSS on progress against the IR.
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Ministry of Defence
23
Recommendation
Second Report - The Integrated Review, …
Acknowledged
As well as an annual report on the implementation of the IR, we recommend the MOD produce an annual evaluation of what has been achieved in their implementation of Defence in a Competitive Age and DSIS. This evaluation should include case studies which demonstrate implementation (examples of integration with other …
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As well as an annual report on the implementation of the IR, we recommend the MOD produce an annual evaluation of what has been achieved in their implementation of Defence in a Competitive Age and DSIS. This evaluation should include case studies which demonstrate implementation (examples of integration with other Government Departments, allies and partners, and defence industry). It should also include an account of how certain events have led to a review of thinking and any subsequent decisions made which change previously agreed outcomes. This will allow Parliamentary Committees and the UK public to scrutinise the implementation of the Integrated Review, Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence Security and Industrial Strategy. (Paragraph 107) 62 The Integrated Review, Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy
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Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the conclusion and will explore ways to engage with Parliament following the publication of the update to the IR, building on their commitment to publicise the findings of its annual report on the IR.
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Ministry of Defence