Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 14
14
Paragraph: 91
The Government has had to balance its own technical considerations with pressures from allies such...
Conclusion
The Government has had to balance its own technical considerations with pressures from allies such as the United States. The UK’s closest allies, including the United States and Australia, originally embarked on a policy at odds to that of the UK. This had the potential to damage the UK’s close intelligence, security and defence relationship with them, although reassurances have been given by Ministers that this was not the case.
Paragraph Reference:
91
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Five Eyes relationship is robust. The nature of the partnership is such that whilst we share the most important, fundamental principles, there are areas where, from time to time, our approaches differ. These differences encourage a diversity within the partnership that reinforces our understanding and approach. We continue to cooperate with our allies and partners on a broad range of security issues. The security and resilience of the UK’s telecoms network is of paramount importance. When necessary, the Government has taken decisive action suited to the UK‘s unique circumstances, based on expert analysis by our technical advisors and consistent with our security needs.