Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 34
34
Acknowledged
Publish Defence Readiness Bill legislation as soon as possible after internal agreement.
Conclusion
We welcome the proposal of a Defence Readiness Bill. However, the Government has not yet determined what specific measures it wishes to include in the Bill, let alone written it. This should be agreed within Government and legislation published as soon as possible. (Recommendation, Paragraph 127)
Government Response Summary
The government is reviewing and developing measures for Defence Readiness legislation, planning stakeholder engagement including with the Committee in 2026, but has not yet agreed on specific measures or a timetable for its publication.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The SDR sets out the need for Defence Readiness legislation during this Parliament to give the Government more powers to respond effectively in the event of escalation or a war involving the UK or its allies. We are reviewing which additional legal powers the Government might need and developing potential measures to improve preparedness and resilience to better protect our Critical National Infrastructure, provide for the mobilisation of wider Defence capability in crisis, and ensure Parliament’s ability to scrutinise warfighting readiness. This work will include engagement with key stakeholders, including the Committee, during 2026 as we develop specific measures. legislation they may wish to bring forward in the context of the HDP and will ensure this is closely co-ordinated by Cabinet Office. Drafting will take place following robust evidence-gathering and policy development. Government’s legislative programme for future sessions. We therefore do not yet have a specific timetable for when this legislation will come before Parliament.