Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 110
110
Accepted
UK Armed Forces' broad commitments are delaying development of vital warfighting readiness.
Conclusion
The UK Armed Forces have sufficient Readiness for operations—they can carry out standing operations and contingent commitments. However, the breadth of their commitments is having an inevitable impact, in terms of budget requirements, subsequent constraints on training and the retention of personnel. It also appears to be delaying the development of warfighting readiness.
Government Response Summary
The government responds by detailing existing efforts and newly published strategies (DCP23, Haythornthwaite Review) to recapitalise, modernise, and improve the readiness, lethality, and personnel retention of the Armed Forces.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
On 18th July the Government published the Defence Command Paper 2023 (DCP23). This mid-cycle refresh was needed given the evolving threat picture, the increase in the MOD’s budget, now over £50 billion a year for the first time and next year we expect it to rise to around £55.6bn, and the publication of a refreshed Integrated Review. DCP23 articulates a new, clear purpose for Defence: to protect the nation, and to help it prosper. It sets out how we will double-down in certain areas, such as the centrality of NATO. Re-investment in our warfighting force through the lens of its contribution principally to NATO, that force still underpins our hard-power projection in the world beyond as well. The UK already has a significant recapitalisation programme underway across all domains. Defence is prioritising the things that will make those capabilities more lethal and ready, such as stockpiles, munitions, and enablers. This is highlighted in the new Integrated Procurement Model. Our programme of modernisation and mobilisation of conventional forces is addressing shortfalls in capabilities where we cannot continue to maintain risk. We are prioritising transforming the Department’s workforce model to attract and retain the talent needed to operate those capabilities. All three services continue to have the personnel needed to meet their front-line operational commitments, but we are not shying away from this challenge. Increasing recruitment and improving retention are absolute priorities, including improved career opportunities and making it easier for people to re-join, on top of the largest pay increase in more than 20 years. The Haythornthwaite Review and Defence Command Paper 2023 set out measures to address future staffing challenges. Defence has now stood up a new Transformation Directorate which is driving delivery and building a clear plan to create a people system that constantly evolves to compete in an agile and aggressive labour market.