Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Acknowledged
The events of the past year demonstrate the need for effective deterrence against aggressive actions...
Conclusion
The events of the past year demonstrate the need for effective deterrence against aggressive actions which undermine the rules-based international order. The UK must work within NATO to ensure that there is an agreed approach and unity of action. But capable, sustainable armed forces are also a vital part of a credible deterrence. Adversaries must believe that the UK (alongside Allies and partners) will retaliate against aggressive actions which undermine the international rule of law, making aggressors pay a disproportionate price. (Paragraph 102) Special Relationships? US, UK and NATO 37
Government Response Summary
The government concurs with the committee regarding the importance of effective deterrence and highlights NATO's transformation and unity in the face of Russian aggression.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We concur with the Committee’s conclusions regarding the importance of effective deterrence. NATO is undergoing a once-in-a-generation military transformation to re-focus on defence against malign state actors and adversaries. The UK has played a central part in designing and delivering this transformation, and UK forces will deploy to enforce it, protecting our Allies and maintaining NATO deterrence. NATO unity has been undeniable. Despite Putin’s war of aggression, NATO has grown larger as the threat perception calculus of our neighbours has shifted. NATO Allies and our partners across the globe will work tirelessly to maintain the rules based international order, deter others from violating it and create costs for those who do.