Recommendations & Conclusions
33 items
1
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
Our inquiry has underlined the importance of the AUKUS partnership, but has also laid bare the scale of the endeavour that will be required to successfully deliver it. For the UK, AUKUS presents challenges but also great opportunities. Meeting those challenges and seizing those opportunities will require sustained political will …
Read more
Our inquiry has underlined the importance of the AUKUS partnership, but has also laid bare the scale of the endeavour that will be required to successfully deliver it. For the UK, AUKUS presents challenges but also great opportunities. Meeting those challenges and seizing those opportunities will require sustained political will and strong leadership and direction from the very top of successive governments. (Conclusion, Paragraph 10) The geopolitical context
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomed the Committee's conclusion on the importance and scale of the AUKUS partnership, affirming its commitment to the program and stating that the Prime Minister is driving sustained UK delivery through a whole-of-government effort.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
2
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
Almost five years on from the announcement of the AUKUS partnership, the world is a very different place. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and shifting US priorities have placed increasing pressure on Western nations’ defence and security apparatus. The alliances that have underpinned global security for decades can no longer …
Read more
Almost five years on from the announcement of the AUKUS partnership, the world is a very different place. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and shifting US priorities have placed increasing pressure on Western nations’ defence and security apparatus. The alliances that have underpinned global security for decades can no longer be taken for granted. There can be no doubt that these changes will present challenges for the partnership, as defence budgets come under increasing pressure and diplomacy enters a new era of unpredictability. They do not, however, undermine the fundamental rationale of AUKUS: bolstering security in the Indo-Pacific (and elsewhere); strengthening alliances between the US, UK and Australia; and seeking technological advantage through collaboration. (Conclusion, Paragraph 18) Governance and leadership
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes and agrees with the Committee's conclusion, affirming that the strategic rationale for the AUKUS partnership remains enduring and relevant amidst a changing global security context.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
3
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Rejected
It is deeply disappointing that more than a year after Sir Stephen Lovegrove completed his review of AUKUS, the Government’s commitment to issue a public version of his findings has not been fulfilled. This reflects poorly on the Government and is damaging to stakeholder and public confidence. It is also …
Read more
It is deeply disappointing that more than a year after Sir Stephen Lovegrove completed his review of AUKUS, the Government’s commitment to issue a public version of his findings has not been fulfilled. This reflects poorly on the Government and is damaging to stakeholder and public confidence. It is also symptomatic of wider issues around the lack of public engagement with AUKUS, which we examine in more detail later in this report. (Conclusion, Paragraph 21) 48
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government decided not to publish a public version of Sir Stephen Lovegrove's classified report to protect confidentiality and align with partner nations, but notes Sir Stephen has publicly shared headline findings and actions in response.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
4
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Rejected
We urge the Government to issue a public version of Sir Stephen Lovegrove’s report as soon as possible. (Recommendation, Paragraph 22)
Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to publish Sir Stephen Lovegrove’s report, citing the need to protect confidentiality of inputs from international contributors. Instead, Sir Stephen has made public engagements to share headline findings and actions.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
5
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
The UK Prime Minister must take a more prominent role in driving the delivery of AUKUS. Many of the challenges we identify in this report arise from a lack of funding or prioritisation within Government rather than any underlying structural or technical issues. More visible Prime Ministerial endorsement for AUKUS …
Read more
The UK Prime Minister must take a more prominent role in driving the delivery of AUKUS. Many of the challenges we identify in this report arise from a lack of funding or prioritisation within Government rather than any underlying structural or technical issues. More visible Prime Ministerial endorsement for AUKUS will provide impetus and direction for Whitehall; without this leadership we are not confident that the cross-government coordination, prioritisation and pace required to deliver AUKUS will be achieved. (Recommendation, Paragraph 28)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government asserts that the Prime Minister is already taking a prominent role in AUKUS, citing existing commitments, investments in the submarine industrial base, and the appointment of a Special Representative as evidence of his leadership.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
6
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
As we approach five years since AUKUS was launched, following changes of Government and with domestic reviews of the programme recently completed in all three partner nations, a natural opportunity arises for national leaders to convene and make a powerful joint statement underlining their continued commitment to the programme, sending …
Read more
As we approach five years since AUKUS was launched, following changes of Government and with domestic reviews of the programme recently completed in all three partner nations, a natural opportunity arises for national leaders to convene and make a powerful joint statement underlining their continued commitment to the programme, sending a clear public message both domestically and to adversaries. (Conclusion, Paragraph 32)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating it will continue to work closely with the US and Australia to identify opportunities for leaders to convene and communicate their unwavering commitment to the AUKUS partnership.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
7
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Deferred
The appointment of a Prime Minister’s Special Representative on AUKUS, initially for a year, has been a positive step welcomed by stakeholders in industry and across the trilateral. We recommend that the role be made permanent, providing consistency for stakeholders and sending an important signal across Whitehall and to our …
Read more
The appointment of a Prime Minister’s Special Representative on AUKUS, initially for a year, has been a positive step welcomed by stakeholders in industry and across the trilateral. We recommend that the role be made permanent, providing consistency for stakeholders and sending an important signal across Whitehall and to our international partners about the UK’s commitment to AUKUS. (Recommendation, Paragraph 38)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government has extended the Prime Minister's Special Representative role for an additional year and will keep its duration under review, but has not committed to making the role permanent as recommended.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
8
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Rejected
The Government should advocate for the US and Australia to follow the UK in appointing their own Special Representative (or an equivalent role). Consideration should also be given to establishing a joint secretariat to support them. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39)
Read more
The Government should advocate for the US and Australia to follow the UK in appointing their own Special Representative (or an equivalent role). Consideration should also be given to establishing a joint secretariat to support them. (Recommendation, Paragraph 39)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government states that the US and Australia will continue to determine their national governance structures and that the UK will continue to work through existing structures, effectively declining to advocate for them to appoint special representatives or establish a new joint secretariat.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
9
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
The remit of the Prime Minister’s Special Representative is broad, with both domestic and international focus across a wide range of capabilities. If its functions are to be exercised effectively, it must be adequately supported by the Civil Service. Alongside the extension of the role, the staffing of the office …
Read more
The remit of the Prime Minister’s Special Representative is broad, with both domestic and international focus across a wide range of capabilities. If its functions are to be exercised effectively, it must be adequately supported by the Civil Service. Alongside the extension of the role, the staffing of the office should be reviewed with a view to bolstering the resource available. (Recommendation, Paragraph 40) Engagement
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, stating that as of 2025, a centralized team with dedicated resources has been established within the National Security Secretariat in the Cabinet Office to support the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on AUKUS.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
10
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
The need to engage more openly with the public in a national conversation on defence and security issues has been a recurring feature of the political discourse in recent years and one on which we have previously pressed the Government for action. A programme of AUKUS’ length and cost will …
Read more
The need to engage more openly with the public in a national conversation on defence and security issues has been a recurring feature of the political discourse in recent years and one on which we have previously pressed the Government for action. A programme of AUKUS’ length and cost will rely on public support if it is to succeed. (Conclusion, Paragraph 45) 49
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of public engagement and outlines its proactive efforts, including regular engagement with Members of Parliament, commitments for parliamentary briefings, and the 'National Endeavour' campaign to communicate the economic and technological benefits of nuclear programmes like AUKUS.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
11
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
Within an overarching dialogue about the role of defence in society, AUKUS offers an opportunity to demonstrate the more tangible benefits that a thriving defence industry can bring to local economies across the UK. Members of Parliament can play a key role in this messaging at constituency level, but our …
Read more
Within an overarching dialogue about the role of defence in society, AUKUS offers an opportunity to demonstrate the more tangible benefits that a thriving defence industry can bring to local economies across the UK. Members of Parliament can play a key role in this messaging at constituency level, but our attempts to engage with the MOD to achieve this have so far been frustrated. In its response to this report, the MOD should set out how it will take a more proactive and open approach to working with Members, and to engaging with the media to achieve this shared goal. (Recommendation, Paragraph 46) Workforce and skills
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government accepted the recommendation, outlining current proactive engagement with MPs through various groups and committing to a future parliamentary briefing in Autumn 2026. It also detailed the 'National Endeavour' campaign and a recent publication to increase public awareness and highlight AUKUS benefits.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
12
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
Whilst the groundwork has been laid for growing the nuclear workforce, the scale of the recruitment needed to deliver AUKUS calls for more creative solutions. These should harness existing strengths, such as the world- leading skills academies run by UK defence primes, and use the unique recruitment opportunity presented by …
Read more
Whilst the groundwork has been laid for growing the nuclear workforce, the scale of the recruitment needed to deliver AUKUS calls for more creative solutions. These should harness existing strengths, such as the world- leading skills academies run by UK defence primes, and use the unique recruitment opportunity presented by the trilateral partnership to tap into new sources of talent. The Government should encourage and incentivise recruitment from geographic locations and demographics without strong existing links to defence, using AUKUS as a vehicle to extend skilled employment and prosperity across the UK. (Recommendation, Paragraph 54)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendation and details its comprehensive Nuclear Skills Plan (NSP), which is already implementing strategies to grow a diverse nuclear workforce through regional hubs, bursaries, bootcamps, a national attraction campaign, and substantial investment in doctoral students.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
13
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
We are deeply concerned by the Government’s failure to recognise the impact of barriers to workforce movement across the trilateral. The ensuing inconvenience and cost may currently be manageable—although they are having a stifling effect on collaboration—but it is clear to us that existing arrangements will not be sustainable as …
Read more
We are deeply concerned by the Government’s failure to recognise the impact of barriers to workforce movement across the trilateral. The ensuing inconvenience and cost may currently be manageable—although they are having a stifling effect on collaboration—but it is clear to us that existing arrangements will not be sustainable as work on AUKUS intensifies. With the programme already working to ambitious timelines, this problem must be addressed now to avoid future backlogs and delays, which could threaten the delivery of SSN-AUKUS in both the UK and Australia. (Conclusion, Paragraph 61)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the concern about barriers to workforce movement and stated it is acutely aware of the issue. It has conducted a survey to identify barriers and continues to look for opportunities to make changes, but offered no specific new commitments to address the …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
14
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted in Part
The Government must urgently remove barriers to workforce mobility across the AUKUS partners, beginning with security clearances. We recommend that the MOD, working with trilateral partners and in consultation with industry, set out within six months a clear plan to enable mutual recognition or continuity of security clearances for AUKUS-related …
Read more
The Government must urgently remove barriers to workforce mobility across the AUKUS partners, beginning with security clearances. We recommend that the MOD, working with trilateral partners and in consultation with industry, set out within six months a clear plan to enable mutual recognition or continuity of security clearances for AUKUS-related work, and report to Parliament on progress. The introduction of an AUKUS visa should be considered as part of this work. Failure to address this now will constrain collaboration, slow delivery, and impose escalating costs as the programme intensifies. (Recommendation, Paragraph 62) 50
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendation to address workforce mobility barriers, stating it's a top priority and accelerating efforts on security clearances. However, it will monitor progress through existing dialogues and rejects the need for an AUKUS visa, believing existing Home Office options are sufficient and …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
15
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
The development of new SSN facilities in Adelaide and Perth could pose a risk to workforce retention at the UK’s equivalent facilities in Barrow-in- Furness and Plymouth. The MOD must closely monitor workforce flow as the design and build of SSN-AUKUS progresses, and should ensure that efforts to streamline workforce …
Read more
The development of new SSN facilities in Adelaide and Perth could pose a risk to workforce retention at the UK’s equivalent facilities in Barrow-in- Furness and Plymouth. The MOD must closely monitor workforce flow as the design and build of SSN-AUKUS progresses, and should ensure that efforts to streamline workforce movements do not inadvertently create a detriment to the UK’s submarine industrial base. Efforts to regenerate Barrow and Plymouth will be key to mitigating this risk, as we address in more detail later in this report. (Recommendation, Paragraph 65) Pillar 1—The Optimal Pathway
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of workforce retention and movement, highlighting substantial investment in nuclear defence programmes and the successes of Team Barrow, Team Plymouth, and the Nuclear Skills Plan, asserting that AUKUS is not a talent competition but a partnership to expand the nuclear …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
16
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
For the UK, delivering SSN-AUKUS will be a lengthy and complex undertaking requiring a sustained financial commitment from Government across several electoral cycles. It is deeply concerning that there are signs that the investment pipeline that underpins that commitment has already faltered. This cannot be allowed to happen again: the …
Read more
For the UK, delivering SSN-AUKUS will be a lengthy and complex undertaking requiring a sustained financial commitment from Government across several electoral cycles. It is deeply concerning that there are signs that the investment pipeline that underpins that commitment has already faltered. This cannot be allowed to happen again: the need for timely and appropriate levels of investment must be prioritised within Whitehall. Shortfalls or delays in funding risk a failure to deliver SSN-AUKUS on time, with potentially severe consequences for UK and wider Euro-Atlantic security, and our standing with our trilateral partners. (Conclusion, Paragraph 76)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the importance of sustained financial commitment to AUKUS and details over £6 billion allocated to transform the UK Submarine Base, including specific investments in Rolls-Royce and Sheffield Forgemasters, demonstrating existing prioritisation.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
17
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Rejected
The Government must demonstrate that the industrial uplift required to deliver SSN AUKUS is being funded and delivered at pace. We recommend that an annual assessment of planned versus delivered investment in submarine industrial capacity be conducted by the Prime Minister’s Special Representative, to be submitted to the Prime Minister …
Read more
The Government must demonstrate that the industrial uplift required to deliver SSN AUKUS is being funded and delivered at pace. We recommend that an annual assessment of planned versus delivered investment in submarine industrial capacity be conducted by the Prime Minister’s Special Representative, to be submitted to the Prime Minister and published in a form suitable for Parliamentary scrutiny. Any slippage should be explicitly justified. Given the long timelines involved, early delays will compound and materially threaten delivery. (Recommendation, Paragraph 77) Pillar 1—Build
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation for an annual assessment but rejects it, stating that existing governance structures and reporting requirements are sufficient to manage SSN-AUKUS delivery.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
18
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
As Australia works against tight timescales to develop the infrastructure and workforce required to build its sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability, it will need to take decisions which could have implications for the UK’s own build schedule at Barrow. The UK Government must co- ordinate closely with the Australian Government as …
Read more
As Australia works against tight timescales to develop the infrastructure and workforce required to build its sovereign nuclear-powered submarine capability, it will need to take decisions which could have implications for the UK’s own build schedule at Barrow. The UK Government must co- ordinate closely with the Australian Government as it finalises its plans, ensuring that the UK has developed contingencies for all possible options. (Recommendation, Paragraph 80)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the need for close collaboration with Australia and states that sustained engagement is driving progress on workforce, infrastructure, and build schedules. However, it does not specifically commit to developing contingencies for all possible options as recommended.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
19
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
There was a clear consensus in our evidence that the regeneration of the town of Barrow-in-Furness is essential to the delivery of AUKUS. The formation of Team Barrow and the investment committed to date to address 51 this is welcome, but it does not go far enough. The scale of …
Read more
There was a clear consensus in our evidence that the regeneration of the town of Barrow-in-Furness is essential to the delivery of AUKUS. The formation of Team Barrow and the investment committed to date to address 51 this is welcome, but it does not go far enough. The scale of the challenge was laid bare in the evidence before us and was made apparent during our visit to the town. (Conclusion, Paragraph 91)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees Barrow's regeneration is essential for AUKUS, highlighting Team Barrow and the £200m Transformation Fund, and citing additional commitments like £7m for the Alfred Barrow Health Centre as part of a strong cross-government approach to regeneration.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
20
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
With the successful delivery of SSN-AUKUS dependent on attracting and retaining a skilled workforce at BAE Systems’ site in Barrow, the Government must do more to ensure that the ambition laid out by Team Barrow is met. This will require additional funding from central Government to provide the investment in …
Read more
With the successful delivery of SSN-AUKUS dependent on attracting and retaining a skilled workforce at BAE Systems’ site in Barrow, the Government must do more to ensure that the ambition laid out by Team Barrow is met. This will require additional funding from central Government to provide the investment in housing, healthcare, transport and education which the town urgently needs. Barrow’s unique role as the home of the UK’s submarine building capability means that failure to do so will jeopardise not only AUKUS, but also the nation’s defence and security. Put simply, the regeneration of Barrow is too big to fail. (Recommendation, Paragraph 92)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the recommendation, highlighting existing and new funding commitments including a £200m Transformation Fund, £7m for a health centre, £20m for the town centre, £5m Social Impact Fund, and over £24m for housing, demonstrating action to meet Team Barrow's ambition.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
21
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
Although the planned regeneration is in its early stages, Team Barrow must ensure that visible change is seen on the ground as soon as possible to reassure the local community that their role in the national endeavour has been recognised, and that meaningful change is underway. (Recommendation, Paragraph 93) Pillar …
Read more
Although the planned regeneration is in its early stages, Team Barrow must ensure that visible change is seen on the ground as soon as possible to reassure the local community that their role in the national endeavour has been recognised, and that meaningful change is underway. (Recommendation, Paragraph 93) Pillar 1 —Sustainment
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government agrees on the importance of visible change in Barrow, detailing ongoing initiatives like the Social Impact Fund, Barrow Work and Health Fund, town centre regeneration, and educational investments, while committing to continue prioritizing visible change and local engagement.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
22
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
Delivering on the UK’s commitment to increase port visits and later rotate an Astute-class submarine out of Australia will be essential to maintaining credibility within AUKUS. We were glad to receive the Minister’s assurance that the UK remained on track to meet this obligation, and we welcomed the subsequent arrival …
Read more
Delivering on the UK’s commitment to increase port visits and later rotate an Astute-class submarine out of Australia will be essential to maintaining credibility within AUKUS. We were glad to receive the Minister’s assurance that the UK remained on track to meet this obligation, and we welcomed the subsequent arrival of HMS Anson in Western Australia. However, it is clear that fulfilling this commitment has stretched the Astute fleet to—or even beyond—its limits. (Conclusion, Paragraph 102)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the pressure on the Astute-class fleet but reaffirms its commitment to delivering port visits and a rotational presence in Australia, outlining a balanced approach of managing deployments, investing in maintenance, and sharing the burden with partners.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
23
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
With submarine availability critically low, and against a backdrop of deepening concern about the readiness of the Royal Navy, the Government must deliver infrastructure improvements at HMNB Devonport and HMNB Clyde at pace to relieve pressure on the fleet. Failure to do so will risk the UK’s ability to meet …
Read more
With submarine availability critically low, and against a backdrop of deepening concern about the readiness of the Royal Navy, the Government must deliver infrastructure improvements at HMNB Devonport and HMNB Clyde at pace to relieve pressure on the fleet. Failure to do so will risk the UK’s ability to meet its obligations under AUKUS whilst continuing to maintain security in the Euro-Atlantic. (Recommendation, Paragraph 108)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of these bases and states it is already making multi-billion, multi-decade investments in their redevelopment through the Clyde Transformation Programme and Devonport Major Infrastructure Portfolio to address historic underinvestment.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
24
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Deferred
Workforce growth at HMNB Devonport will be key to delivering the infrastructure required to improve submarine availability and prepare for SSN-AUKUS. Team Plymouth will play a central role in creating the local conditions to attract and maintain this larger workforce and will also be key to delivering the local defence …
Read more
Workforce growth at HMNB Devonport will be key to delivering the infrastructure required to improve submarine availability and prepare for SSN-AUKUS. Team Plymouth will play a central role in creating the local conditions to attract and maintain this larger workforce and will also be key to delivering the local defence dividend promised by the city’s Defence Growth Deal. The Government must provide timely and adequate funding for Team Plymouth to enable it to meet the workforce challenge and maximise defence-related growth. (Recommendation, Paragraph 109) 52
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for Team Plymouth's growth, citing £50m already announced and setting up a cross-government board and joint taskforce to urgently develop and progress delivery solutions, including securing further funding.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
25
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
The UK must throw its full support behind Australia’s development of new infrastructure in Perth, particularly the new Defence Precinct at Henderson. Close working between the UK and Australia at government and industry level will enable the UK to share its experience in constructing and operating its own nuclear sustainment …
Read more
The UK must throw its full support behind Australia’s development of new infrastructure in Perth, particularly the new Defence Precinct at Henderson. Close working between the UK and Australia at government and industry level will enable the UK to share its experience in constructing and operating its own nuclear sustainment infrastructure, assisting Australia in expediting progress and allowing both countries to maximise the benefits to be gained by operating a common fleet. (Recommendation, Paragraph 112) Export controls
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the assessment and is committed to sharing its decades of experience in nuclear sustainment infrastructure, including workforce development, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure delivery, to support Australia's progress.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
26
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
The lifting of export control restrictions under AUKUS is a significant achievement for the partnership. It has the potential to bring immense benefits across UK defence. However, that potential will only be realised if Government removes barriers to participation and raises awareness across industry, encouraging businesses—including those which may not …
Read more
The lifting of export control restrictions under AUKUS is a significant achievement for the partnership. It has the potential to bring immense benefits across UK defence. However, that potential will only be realised if Government removes barriers to participation and raises awareness across industry, encouraging businesses—including those which may not consider themselves to be traditional defence suppliers—to make the most of the opportunity presented. (Conclusion, Paragraph 120)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government highlights its active support for industry, including SMEs, to join the Authorised User Community, citing 404 registered entities and 18 outreach events by the International Export Controls team. It also mentions providing 1-2-1 guidance and successful processing of recent export licenses within standard …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
27
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
The Government should seek to identify those organisations which could benefit from membership of the Authorised User Community—especially SMEs—and proactively promote it to them, offering guidance and support where required. The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth should play a key role in this effort. The MOD must also …
Read more
The Government should seek to identify those organisations which could benefit from membership of the Authorised User Community—especially SMEs—and proactively promote it to them, offering guidance and support where required. The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth should play a key role in this effort. The MOD must also work closely with the Department for Business and Trade to monitor applications and ensure that early delays to the granting of approvals are not repeated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 121) Pillar 2 delivery
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government has actively supported industry, including SMEs, in joining the Authorised User Community, with 404 entities registered and 18 outreach events conducted by the International Export Controls team. The MOD also works with the Department for Business and Trade to monitor license applications, which …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
28
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
With its aim of harnessing trilateral collaboration on advanced technologies, Pillar 2 has the potential to be transformative, but progress to date has been disappointing and inadequate. It now faces an uphill battle to restore credibility. In the short term, the Government must press for swift agreement within the trilateral …
Read more
With its aim of harnessing trilateral collaboration on advanced technologies, Pillar 2 has the potential to be transformative, but progress to date has been disappointing and inadequate. It now faces an uphill battle to restore credibility. In the short term, the Government must press for swift agreement within the trilateral on priority projects which provide tangible benefit to the warfighter and their subsequent delivery at pace. The Government must also provide clarity around funding mechanisms so that industry is provided with the investment confidence needed to produce those capabilities at scale. (Recommendation, Paragraph 132)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government welcomes the recommendation and has announced the first Pillar II signature project for Uncrewed Undersea Vehicles, with delivery starting in 2027, to provide tangible benefits to the warfighter. It also highlights other achievements including AUKUS-designed AI algorithms and UUV launches from submarines.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
29
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
There is an obvious alignment between the workstreams covered under Pillar 2 and the Defence Industrial Strategy’s themes of innovation, resilience and prosperity; and it offers clear opportunities for defence-related growth. However, the UK’s approach to Pillar 2 has so far been disjointed and has failed to fully exploit those …
Read more
There is an obvious alignment between the workstreams covered under Pillar 2 and the Defence Industrial Strategy’s themes of innovation, resilience and prosperity; and it offers clear opportunities for defence-related growth. However, the UK’s approach to Pillar 2 has so far been disjointed and has failed to fully exploit those opportunities. (Conclusion, Paragraph 140) 53
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government recognizes the alignment between Pillar II and the Defence Industrial Strategy, outlining ongoing efforts like the Advanced Capabilities Industry Forum and the ITAR exemption to accelerate capability development and industrial growth. It highlights over £13 million in AI and autonomy contracts and a …
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
30
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted
The MOD must work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department for Education, to drive a truly joined-up, whole-of-government approach to Pillar 2. The Government must also do more to involve SMEs directly in Pillar 2 activities, harnessing their agility and innovation to enhance capability …
Read more
The MOD must work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and the Department for Education, to drive a truly joined-up, whole-of-government approach to Pillar 2. The Government must also do more to involve SMEs directly in Pillar 2 activities, harnessing their agility and innovation to enhance capability development. (Recommendation, Paragraph 141) Expanding Pillar 2
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the importance of a whole-of-government approach, citing existing collaboration between defence, science, and education communities. It accepts the need to involve SMEs, detailing existing engagement through forums and challenges, and commits to expanding their participation as Pillar II scales.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
31
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Accepted in Part
Expanding Pillar 2 to include additional partners offers potential opportunities, but it will add a further layer of complexity and negotiation to what is already proving to be a difficult task. Whilst remaining positive about a future expansion of Pillar 2, we reluctantly conclude that the focus for now must …
Read more
Expanding Pillar 2 to include additional partners offers potential opportunities, but it will add a further layer of complexity and negotiation to what is already proving to be a difficult task. Whilst remaining positive about a future expansion of Pillar 2, we reluctantly conclude that the focus for now must be on achieving tangible results within the existing trilateral: AUKUS must first deepen collaboration before widening it. (Conclusion, Paragraph 146) Conclusion
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government highlights strong trilateral progress in Pillar II, including a funded project on Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle systems, aligning with deepening collaboration, but also explicitly states that AUKUS partners are exploring potential collaboration with additional countries, thereby not fully accepting the 'deepen before widening' constraint.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
32
Conclusion
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
A programme of AUKUS’ scale and scope will not succeed if it is perceived within Whitehall as one of many defence programmes competing for scarce resources. Only strong and visible political leadership from the very top of Government can counter a drift into bureaucratic obscurity and ensure that AUKUS receives …
Read more
A programme of AUKUS’ scale and scope will not succeed if it is perceived within Whitehall as one of many defence programmes competing for scarce resources. Only strong and visible political leadership from the very top of Government can counter a drift into bureaucratic obscurity and ensure that AUKUS receives the funding and priority that the nation’s defence and security demands. (Conclusion, Paragraph 147)
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledged the conclusion, affirming the Prime Minister's full commitment to AUKUS and highlighting existing measures such as appointing a Special Representative and establishing a new Cabinet Office team to ensure the program receives necessary focus and priority.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence
33
Recommendation
8th Report - AUKUS
Acknowledged
As we approach five years since the partnership came into being, with changes of Government in each partner nation and domestic reviews completed, now is the time to seize the opportunity AUKUS presents and demonstrate the UK’s firm commitment to making it a success. The recommendations in this report identify …
Read more
As we approach five years since the partnership came into being, with changes of Government in each partner nation and domestic reviews completed, now is the time to seize the opportunity AUKUS presents and demonstrate the UK’s firm commitment to making it a success. The recommendations in this report identify the steps that must be taken to address the challenges that have already emerged, and to inject a new impetus into the delivery of AUKUS. We call on the Government to adopt them without delay. (Conclusion, Paragraph 148) 54
Show less
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the report and reaffirms the Prime Minister's full commitment to AUKUS, highlighting existing efforts like the appointment of a Special Representative and a new Cabinet Office team to drive delivery, and offers to provide an update in 2027.
Read full response →
Ministry of Defence