Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Rejected
Set out timetable for defence readiness legislation and provide regular parliamentary updates.
Recommendation
The Government should set out its timetable with key milestones for the defence readiness legislation in its response to this report, including its approach to pre-legislative scrutiny, and ensure that it has a strategy for engagement with Parliament and the UK public. Prior to the introduction of the legislation, we recommend that the Minister responsible for the Bill (the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) implement a regular programme of statements in the House with updates on the efforts to improve readiness and resilience and the progress of the legislation. (Recommendation, Paragraph 128) 62
Government Response Summary
The government stated it does not yet have a specific timetable for the Defence Readiness legislation and is still reviewing legal powers and developing measures, with stakeholder engagement planned for 2026.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.