Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 122
122
Accepted
Defence industry plays integral role in Armed Forces readiness and recruitment
Conclusion
Defence industry plays an integral role in Armed Forces readiness. The First Sea Lord explained that the UK Armed Forces rely heavily on the defence industry to deliver “world-leading capability to deal with those who may wish us harm”.242 Nick Childs and Professor Justin Bronk both highlighted that contracts with defence companies are vital to ensuring UK Armed Forces readiness in relation to maintenance and sustainment of equipment.243 Beyond equipment, the British Army currently relies on a private company (Capita) to manage its recruitment of personnel, a model which looks to be extended to all the Front Line Commands under the proposed Tri-Service Recruitment contract.244
Government Response Summary
The government states it will implement a transformed partnership with industry through DCP23 commitments, engaging earlier in strategic conversations to create a more resilient, reliable, and adaptable industrial base.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
Through commitments made in DCP23, Defence is prioritising the things that will make those capabilities more lethal and ready, such as stockpiles, munitions, and enablers including storage facilities and our transformed partnership with industry, where we will engage much earlier in strategic conversations to create a more resilient, reliable, and adaptable industrial base. This will not only bolster UK industry and diplomatic influence, but also helps sustain Ukraine in the fight in 2024 and develops its economy beyond.