Defence in Scotland

Scottish Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 30 Jul 2021 Closed: 17 Jan 2024 Parliament page
Inquiry series The Committee has launched an inquiry series into Defence in Scotland. This began with an inquiry into the military personnel and military estate landscape in Scotland, and continues with ongoing inquiries into military shipbuilding in Scotland and Defence in the North Atlantic and the High North. The North … Read more
43 Recommendations
101 Conclusions
3 Reports
13 Oral sessions
2 Letters
20 Events
Activity timeline 41 events
18 Oct
2023
Report published
21 Jul
2023
Report published
10 Jul
2023
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
5 Jun
2023
Oral evidence
5 Jun
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
24 Apr
2023
Oral evidence
24 Apr
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
6 Apr
2023
Report published
6 Apr
2023
Correspondence
27 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
27 Mar
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 5, Palace of Westminster
6 Mar
2023
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 13 sessions
5 Jun 2023
View on parliament.uk
Brigadier Chris Ordway · Ministry of Defence Clare Cameron · Ministry of Defence Rt Hon James Heappey · Ministry of Defence
24 Apr 2023
View on parliament.uk
Dr Adam Bower · University of St Andrews Professor Iain Woodhouse · University of Edinburgh Professor Jacques Hartmann · University of Dundee
27 Mar 2023
View on parliament.uk
His Excellency Sturla Sigurjónsson · Icelandic Embassy His Excellency Wegger Christian Strømmen · Norwegian Embassy
6 Mar 2023
View on parliament.uk
Dr Duncan Depledge · Loughborough University Dr Marc DeVore · University of St Andrews Dr Rowan Allport · Human Security Centre
6 Dec 2022
View on parliament.uk
Rear Admiral Rex Cox · Ministry of Defence Rt Hon Ben Wallace · Ministry of Defence Vice Admiral Paul Marshall CBE · Ministry of Defence
14 Nov 2022
View on parliament.uk
Hans Pung · RAND Europe Professor Keith Hartley · University of York
5 Sep 2022
View on parliament.uk
Ben Carpenter Merritt · Babcock Gordon McGuinness · Skills Development Scotland Ivan McKee MSP · Scottish Government Professor John Howie MBE · Babcock International Rory McGregor · Scottish Government Scott McClelland · Scottish Government Sir Simon Lister · BAE Systems Naval Ships
12 Jul 2022
View on parliament.uk
Ben Carpenter Merritt · Babcock Ivan McKee MSP · Scottish Government Oliver Waghorn · BAE Systems Professor John Howie MBE · Babcock International Sir Simon Lister · BAE Systems Naval Ships
13 Jun 2022
View on parliament.uk
Ian Waddell · The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU) Kevin Craven · ADS Group - Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Richard Powell OBE · Society of Maritime Industries (SMI)
21 Mar 2022
View on parliament.uk
Damian Parmenter CBE · Ministry of Defence David Brewer · Defence Infrastructure Organisation Sherin Aminossehe · Ministry of Defence The Baroness Goldie DL · Ministry of Defence
7 Mar 2022
View on parliament.uk
Councillor Rod Cavanagh · Fife Council Fergus Murray · Argyll and Bute Council Keith Brown MSP · Scottish Government Kevin McGowan · Scottish Government Provost Peter Smaill · Midlothian Council Rhona Gunn · Moray Council Rory McGregor · Scottish Government
21 Feb 2022
View on parliament.uk
Dr Hina Khan · Spire Global Limited Dr Suzanne Costello · MCS Limited Jamie Mincher · Glenalmond Group John Howie MBE · Babcock Kevin Craven · ADS Group - Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Oliver Waghorn · BAE Systems Stephen McCann · Thales
31 Jan 2022
View on parliament.uk
Collette Musgrave · Army Families Federation Lieutenant General (retd) Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB DL · SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity Maria Lyle · RAF Families Federation Professor Phillips O'Brien · University of St Andrews Professor Trevor Taylor · Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Sarah Clewes · Naval Families Federation
Recommendations & Conclusions
144 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
Scotland is experiencing a new era of confidence and investment in the defence sector.
Scotland is experiencing a new era of confidence and investment in the defence sector. We welcome the MOD’s clear commitment to Scotland, shown, for example, by making it home to the UK’s submarine service, the new fleets of P8 Maritime … Read more
Government Response
MOD acknowledges the Committee's highlighting the positive role that the MOD and the defence sector play in Scotland and reaffirms its commitment to the future of Defence in Scotland and its continued vital role in maintaining UK security.
Scotland Office
View details
2 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
We welcome the increased military capabilities the MOD is gaining in Scotland, especially in light...
We welcome the increased military capabilities the MOD is gaining in Scotland, especially in light of ongoing increases in Russian aggression, and the importance that Scotland’s military capabilities play in strengthening the UK’s international alliances, such as NATO. Read more
Government Response
The MOD is committed to the future of Defence in Scotland and appreciates the Committee for highlighting its role in maintaining UK security and strengthening international alliances.
Scotland Office
View details
3 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
We note that the 2014 commitment to increase the number of Regular Armed Forces personnel...
We note that the 2014 commitment to increase the number of Regular Armed Forces personnel has been superseded by changing strategic priorities. We welcome the 2021 Future Soldier programme to increase the number of battalions in Scotland and that Scotland … Read more
Government Response
MOD acknowledges the Committee's highlighting the positive role that the MOD and the defence sector play in Scotland and reaffirms its commitment to the future of Defence in Scotland and its continued vital role in maintaining UK security.
Scotland Office
View details
4 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
We welcome the MOD’s high level of spending with Scottish industry (around 10% of total...
We welcome the MOD’s high level of spending with Scottish industry (around 10% of total spending with industry) but are concerned that this spending is very heavily skewed towards major international prime contractors rather than SMEs. This is illustrated by … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognises the skills offered by Scottish SMEs but rejects the view that there is an engrained hesitancy within the defence sector towards working with them, and outlines various initiatives to support SMEs.
Scotland Office
View details
5 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The MOD should, with the assistance of the Scotland Office, initiate a culture change process...
The MOD should, with the assistance of the Scotland Office, initiate a culture change process within its own ranks, and in its prime contractors, that addresses perceptions of engrained hesitancy towards working with SMEs in Scotland, with a view to … Read more
Government Response
The MOD notes the Committee’s recommendation and welcomes further involvement from Scottish SMEs in the Defence supply chain and notes the MOD has a target that 25% of its procurement spend will go directly and indirectly to SMEs by the end of 2022.
Scotland Office
View details
6 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The military shipbuilding sector provides an important pipeline of highly skilled jobs for Scottish industry.
The military shipbuilding sector provides an important pipeline of highly skilled jobs for Scottish industry. While current Royal Navy Type 26 and Type 31 orders are very welcome, the future of the sector is dependent on favourable UK Government policies … Read more
Government Response
The Government acknowledged the committee's highlighting the prosperity benefits that shipbuilding brings to Scotland, and mentions the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh and investment in UK shipbuilding, including opportunities for Scottish shipbuilders.
Scotland Office
View details
7 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The UK Government should clarify definitively its position on whether current policies potentially allow for...
The UK Government should clarify definitively its position on whether current policies potentially allow for Royal Navy warships (such as destroyers, frigates and fleet solid support ships) to be procured and/or built overseas. If this potential exists—which could have a … Read more
Government Response
The Government acknowledged the committee's concerns about the potential for warships to be procured/built overseas, mentions the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh and investment in UK shipbuilding, and says it will consider the long-term industrial impact of different options.
Scotland Office
View details
8 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
MOD base closures, base expansions, speculation on base closures and reversals/ changes in basing decisions...
MOD base closures, base expansions, speculation on base closures and reversals/ changes in basing decisions can all have major consequences for local communities in Scotland. All of the local authorities we heard from—regardless of whether they were facing MOD increases … Read more
Government Response
The MOD acknowledges the committee's conclusion and states it will continue to work closely with stakeholders on the release of surplus Defence land, as well as the maintenance and development of Defence establishments in Scotland.
Scotland Office
View details
9 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The formal partnership arrangement between the MOD and Argyll and Bute Council has been a...
The formal partnership arrangement between the MOD and Argyll and Bute Council has been a great success and should be seen as a model for MOD interactions with Scottish local authorities. The MOD and relevant local authorities in Scotland should … Read more
Government Response
The MOD is committed to working with Scottish local authorities including through the use of formal partnership arrangements where appropriate.
Scotland Office
View details
10 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The MOD should intensify its collaboration efforts with all Scottish local authorities facing base closures...
The MOD should intensify its collaboration efforts with all Scottish local authorities facing base closures or base expansions, and engage with them at earlier stages in those processes. The MOD should also work with Scottish local authorities to jointly produce, … Read more
Government Response
The MOD will continue to work with local authorities to determine the impact of basing decisions on communities and how we release surplus military sites for meaningful future use. MOD already employs dedicated locally based estate leads for all of our sites in Scotland to facilitate regular engagement with local councils.
Scotland Office
View details
11 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
While defence is wholly reserved to the UK Government, MOD decisions on military basing nonetheless...
While defence is wholly reserved to the UK Government, MOD decisions on military basing nonetheless have significant implications for areas of devolved competence, such as child education, healthcare and housing.
Government Response
The MOD was proud to launch the revised ten-year UK Armed Forces Families Strategy (2022– 32) in January 2022 and will continue to engage with its stakeholders to ensure fair and equitable treatment of service personnel across the UK.
Scotland Office
View details
12 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
MOD engagement processes on military basing decisions currently take place predominantly between the MOD and...
MOD engagement processes on military basing decisions currently take place predominantly between the MOD and affected local authorities and health boards. While this approach might work in England, in Scotland an adapted approach is needed in order to recognise the … Read more
Government Response
The MOD acknowledges the need for constructive engagement with the Scottish Government and will seek to prioritise the development of improved knowledge and understanding across Defence where MOD business both impacts, and is impacted by, areas of devolved competence.
Scotland Office
View details
13 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The MOD should increase its efforts to collaborate with the Scottish Government on basing decisions.
The MOD should increase its efforts to collaborate with the Scottish Government on basing decisions. This would facilitate improved information sharing, in both directions—for example, in relation to future basing intentions and the likely impact on local communities. Read more
Government Response
The MOD says that basing decisions are based entirely on military requirement, but it is recognised that the impact of site closures will be felt beyond the Defence community and notification of decisions at the earliest possible opportunity is helpful.
Scotland Office
View details
14 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The Scottish Government must commit to properly funding local authorities and health boards local to...
The Scottish Government must commit to properly funding local authorities and health boards local to military bases to ensure there is sufficient provision in place. This was not the case for dental and maternity services for military families in Moray. … Read more
Government Response
The MOD will share the recommendation regarding funding of local authorities and health boards with their Scottish Government counterparts, as it is outside the locus of the MOD.
Scotland Office
View details
15 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
While improvements have been made in this area—for example the Scottish Government’s ‘Welcome to Scotland’...
While improvements have been made in this area—for example the Scottish Government’s ‘Welcome to Scotland’ guide—there is scope for the MOD to be more proactive in the information it routinely shares with Armed Forces personnel and their families when they … Read more
Government Response
The MOD commits to working with the Scottish Government and Service Families Federations to refresh the ‘Welcome to Scotland’ publication annually and signpost it to personnel.
Scotland Office
View details
16 Recommendation Acknowledged
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The MOD should conduct a review of the formats and quality of information it proactively...
The MOD should conduct a review of the formats and quality of information it proactively and routinely shares with all Armed Forces personnel and their families when they move to bases in Scotland, and from Scotland. The Scottish Government should … Read more
Government Response
MOD will continue to work with SG and single Service Families Federations to refresh the ‘Welcome to Scotland’ publication annually and signpost it to personnel, including through HIVE information services and will also continue involvement in the SG chaired Scottish Armed Forces Education Strategy Group (SAFESG).
Scotland Office
View details
17 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
The UK Government should accelerate work with relevant responsible bodies across the UK to reduce...
The UK Government should accelerate work with relevant responsible bodies across the UK to reduce barriers that military spouses and partners face when attempting to transfer their professional qualifications—for example, teaching qualifications— between UK nations. In line with the Armed … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Scottish Credits and Qualifications Framework Partnership (SCQFP), the Training, Education, Skills, Recruitment and Resettlement team (TESRR) of MOD and Skills Development Scotland, have collaborated to simplify the current system for mapping and translating qualifications and that spouses may use the online tool to translate their qualifications.
Scotland Office
View details
18 Recommendation Deferred
First Report - Defence in Scotland…
We welcome the MOD’s annual payment to 7,000 Armed Forces personnel in Scotland.
We welcome the MOD’s annual payment to 7,000 Armed Forces personnel in Scotland. However, the Scottish Government should consider an exemption from the extra income tax in Scotland, and for the spouses of Armed Forces personnel. (Paragraph 94) 38 Defence … Read more
Government Response
The government says armed forces personnel should be treated equally across the UK, notes that some service personnel in Scotland are compensated for higher income taxes, and has asked officials to share the recommendation with Scottish Government counterparts.
Scotland Office
View details
1 Conclusion Rejected
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Government’s approach to procuring warships has shifted in recent years, and it is...
The UK Government’s approach to procuring warships has shifted in recent years, and it is no longer the default position that warships will be designed and built fully in the UK, which was of concern to some in the Scottish … Read more
Government Response
The MOD disagrees that its approach has shifted away from designing and building warships fully in the UK. They state the DSIS provides flexibility and considers long-term industrial impact, and the Shipbuilding Tsar will maximize UK content where possible.
Scotland Office
View details
2 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
If bids from Scottish yards are to be fairly compared with those of their international...
If bids from Scottish yards are to be fairly compared with those of their international competitors, this process should be based on a full analysis of their respective benefits, including the benefits to the local economy and in additional tax … Read more
Government Response
The Government seeks to account for the wider benefits from shipbuilding procurement programmes through the application of the Social Value model and regional assessments. The NSO also works with MOD procurement teams to ensure economic benefits are considered.
Scotland Office
View details
3 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out what work it...
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out what work it did, in preparing the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, to estimate and measure the benefits of procuring ships domestically for the Scottish economy and the wider … Read more
Government Response
The Government stated they seek to account for the wider benefits from shipbuilding procurement programmes through the application of the Social Value model. The National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) and the MOD have undertaken a series of regional assessments to better understand the economic footprint of the UK shipbuilding industry.
Scotland Office
View details
4 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The decision to award the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships to the international consortium Team...
The decision to award the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships to the international consortium Team Resolute is an example of a shift in the UK Government’s approach to warship procurement. We note that the UK Government chose the Team Resolute … Read more
Government Response
The MOD states that the decision to award the Fleet Solid Support ship contract to Team Resolute did not prioritise short-term savings and that the decision was the result of a fair and open competition, supporting the objectives of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Scotland Office
View details
5 Recommendation Not Addressed
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Government should set out its reasoning for selecting Team Resolute as the preferred...
The UK Government should set out its reasoning for selecting Team Resolute as the preferred bidder for building the new order of Fleet Solid Support ships. Specifically, it should confirm whether the bid from Team Resolute offered the lowest price … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that the decision to award the Fleet Solid Support ship contract to Team Resolute did not prioritise short-term savings, that Scottish shipyards are building Type 26 and Type 31 frigates, and that both Harland & Wolff and BMT have sites in Northern Ireland, Scotland and England. It does not confirm whether Team Resolute offered the lowest price, citing commercial interests.
Scotland Office
View details
6 Conclusion Rejected
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Secretary of State told us that Team UK’s bid for the Fleet Solid Support...
The Secretary of State told us that Team UK’s bid for the Fleet Solid Support contract was “non-compliant” with the terms of the competition but did not give further details. We would welcome further information to help understand the Government’s … Read more
Government Response
The MOD declined to provide further details on why Team UK's bid was non-compliant, citing commercial interests of the bidders.
Scotland Office
View details
7 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its response to this report, the UK Government should confirm on what date it...
In its response to this report, the UK Government should confirm on what date it determined that Team UK’s bid for the Fleet Solid Support ships contract was non- compliant with the terms of the competition, what work was done … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that bidders were fully aware of the evaluation criteria and that Team Resolute was informed of the decision on 10 November 2022, formally appointed on 15 November 2022.
Scotland Office
View details
8 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The export of the Type 26 and Type 31 design licences is a great success...
The export of the Type 26 and Type 31 design licences is a great success story for the Scottish shipbuilding industry, and we are confident that further exports will follow. At the same time, export opportunities cannot be depended upon … Read more
Government Response
The MOD notes the success of exporting the Global Combat Ship, estimating it will create/sustain 5,000 export-led jobs and enable £6bn in potential export contracts. They state the NSbS Refresh recognizes the role of exports in growing the shipbuilding enterprise.
Scotland Office
View details
9 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The role of exports of military ships/design licences in the National Shipbuilding Strategy should be...
The role of exports of military ships/design licences in the National Shipbuilding Strategy should be to supplement, and not to replace, domestic demand. The UK Government should be prepared to use shipbuilding contracts strategically to sustain shipbuilding capacity in Scotland … Read more
Government Response
The MOD noted the success of exports, estimating they will create or sustain 5,000 export-led jobs in the UK and will enable c.£6 billion of potential export contracts to flow to UK suppliers. The NSbS Refresh recognizes the role that exports have in growing the overall shipbuilding enterprise and bolstering domestic demand.
Scotland Office
View details
10 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The creation of the National Shipbuilding Office is a welcome development that can bring greater...
The creation of the National Shipbuilding Office is a welcome development that can bring greater coherence to shipbuilding planning. At the same time, we note that the NSO does not have formal powers and will therefore rely on its ability … Read more
Government Response
The NSO is a strategic organization that oversees all of the Government’s shipbuilding interests. The NSO reports to the Secretary of State for Defence, who in his role as Shipbuilding Tsar has the ability to hold other Ministers to account in support of the delivery of the NSbS.
Scotland Office
View details
11 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Government should carry out and lay before Parliament a formal evaluation of the...
The UK Government should carry out and lay before Parliament a formal evaluation of the contribution of the National Shipbuilding Office after two years, and again after five and ten years, to assess whether it has succeeded in driving better … Read more
Government Response
The NSO is gathering the required data to monitor and assure the delivery of the Refresh and is suitably empowered to provide strategic oversight of all Government activity across the shipbuilding enterprise and is committed to demonstrating accountability and value publicly where possible.
Scotland Office
View details
12 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The establishment of a National Shipbuilding Office hub in Edinburgh provides a welcome link to...
The establishment of a National Shipbuilding Office hub in Edinburgh provides a welcome link to Scottish shipbuilders.
Government Response
The Department is pleased that the committee recognizes the importance of the NSO’s physical presence in Scotland and has signed a lease for a base in Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh.
Scotland Office
View details
13 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
To enhance its relationships with the Scottish shipbuilding sector, the National Shipbuilding Office should, by...
To enhance its relationships with the Scottish shipbuilding sector, the National Shipbuilding Office should, by the end of 2023, establish a permanent staff presence in its Edinburgh hub, as the MoD and NSO have indicated. (Paragraph 40) The shipbuilding pipeline Read more
Government Response
The Department stated that they have already signed a lease for a base in Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh, which will be used by the NSO to host its staff and support visits. The NSO is advertising jobs based in Edinburgh.
Scotland Office
View details
14 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We wish to underline the importance to Scottish shipyards of maintaining a dependable ‘drumbeat’ of...
We wish to underline the importance to Scottish shipyards of maintaining a dependable ‘drumbeat’ of orders to allow them to invest and grow. The days of ‘feast and famine’ must not return. The creation of the National Shipbuilding Strategy suggests … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders and the NSbS aims to provide a sustainable demand signal through a 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
15 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Government should provide greater clarity about the work that will fill the whole...
The UK Government should provide greater clarity about the work that will fill the whole of the 30-year shipbuilding pipeline into the 2030s and 2040s. It is of course difficult to calculate precise military needs beyond 2050. However, the UK … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognises the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders and refers to the NSbS and the 30-year Shipbuilding Pipeline. However, the details of shipbuilding programmes in the later decades will come with time.
Scotland Office
View details
16 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Recent developments have introduced uncertainty about some orders in the pipeline and whether it sets...
Recent developments have introduced uncertainty about some orders in the pipeline and whether it sets out a clear ‘drumbeat’ of orders needed to sustain Scottish shipyards. The Fleet Solid Support Ships and the National Flagship are two examples. There has … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of a regular drumbeat of orders. The 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline of over 150 new vessels aims to provide a sustainable demand signal, encouraging industry investment. The NSO will update the pipeline at each multi-year Spending Review.
Scotland Office
View details
17 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence...
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence Select Committee, the UK Government should provide an update on the current status of the military shipbuilding pipeline for Scottish naval yards. In particular, it … Read more
Government Response
The government stated its intention to have more frigates and destroyers. The T32 programme is in concept phase, the National Flagship was suspended to bring forward the Multi Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) ships.
Scotland Office
View details
18 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The award of the contract to build five additional Type 26 frigates to BAE Systems...
The award of the contract to build five additional Type 26 frigates to BAE Systems is welcome news for Scottish shipbuilding, and importantly continues the shipbuilding ‘drumbeat’ into the medium-term. We note that, partly as a consequence of global challenges, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledged the delays and increased costs of the first batch of Type 26 vessels due to global challenges.
Scotland Office
View details
19 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Given the ongoing global uncertainties we ask the UK Government to provide annual updates on...
Given the ongoing global uncertainties we ask the UK Government to provide annual updates on the construction of the Type 26 vessels to both Houses of Parliament. We note that the Defence Select Committee has made a similar recommendation, but … Read more
Government Response
The MOD welcomes the committee’s interest in the construction of Type 26 and will consider its request when providing updates to Parliament on key Defence programmes.
Scotland Office
View details
20 Conclusion Rejected
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The decision to select Team Resolute bid as the preferred bidder for the upcoming order...
The decision to select Team Resolute bid as the preferred bidder for the upcoming order of Fleet Solid Support ships could create a potential gap in the workstream for the Scottish warship industry.
Government Response
The MOD disagrees that the Fleet Solid Support contract creates a gap in work for Scottish shipyards, citing ongoing Type 31 and Type 26 frigate construction. They claim delaying the build of Fleet Solid Support ships would put vital capability at risk.
Scotland Office
View details
21 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its response, the UK Government should set out how much capacity it expects to...
In its response, the UK Government should set out how much capacity it expects to now be available in the Scottish warship industry in each of the years between 2025– 2032 as a result of the decision to select Team … Read more
Government Response
The Fleet Solid Support contract will still provide opportunities for Scotland in Harland and Wolff’s Methil and Arnish sites, stating there will be ample opportunity for Scottish naval shipyards to fill their order books over the next decade. The NSO recognises that key to delivering this Government’s vision for UK shipbuilding is to better understand the opportunities and pressures across the sector.
Scotland Office
View details
22 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs...
We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its … Read more
Government Response
The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022 which outlines the commitments being made to increasing and supporting opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The Department for Transport is the lead Government Department for the Regional Maritime Cluster Development Programme.
Scotland Office
View details
23 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy...
The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the UK Government’s commitments in Maritime 2050, work specifically to develop shipbuilding clusters in Scotland. In responding to this report, the UK Government should … Read more
Government Response
The MOD referenced its SME Action Plan and engagement with the Scottish Supplier Development Programme as actions already in place to support shipbuilding clusters and address barriers to Scottish SMEs.
Scotland Office
View details
24 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial...
The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial year to confirm whether it met its target of spending 25 per cent of its procurement spend with SMEs. In addition, it should provide an … Read more
Government Response
The MOD stated that they had a target of 25% SME procurement spend by the end of 2022, with Scottish SMEs playing a significant role, and that figures are being gathered and will be published. They also stated that regional statistics for FY21/22 have been published and confirm £67M went directly to Scottish SMEs, representing 7% of direct SME spend.
Scotland Office
View details
25 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard that including a social value component in shipbuilding contracts can help deliver benefits...
We heard that including a social value component in shipbuilding contracts can help deliver benefits for the wider economy and in shipbuilding communities. However, there are challenges in measuring how effectively those commitments are being delivered on. Read more
Government Response
The NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered. Under the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, the contracting authority is also mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
View details
26 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The MOD should set out how it evaluates social value in competitions, how it measures...
The MOD should set out how it evaluates social value in competitions, how it measures the delivery of social value in the contracts it negotiates, and how it holds contractors accountable to ensure they meet those targets. It should also, … Read more
Government Response
The MOD uses the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, measures delivery through standard reporting metrics, contract-specific metrics, and a Social Value Key Performance Indicator, and manages performance through reporting obligations, performance management terms, and a formal framework for managing relationships with its largest suppliers.
Scotland Office
View details
27 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard that historically the Ministry of Defence’s understanding of shipbuilding supply chains had been...
We heard that historically the Ministry of Defence’s understanding of shipbuilding supply chains had been a vulnerability. The Secretary of State told us this had subsequently improved. The new Defence Supply Chain Strategy’s emphasis on building resilience in supply chains … Read more
Government Response
The MOD is operating a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and introducing a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) to improve understanding of supply chains and address vulnerabilities.
Scotland Office
View details
28 Recommendation Rejected
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Ministry of Defence should publish data on the composition of shipbuilding supply chains, to...
The Ministry of Defence should publish data on the composition of shipbuilding supply chains, to assist understanding of how the UK shipbuilding industry is structured. This should include regional breakdowns so that the extent of local supply chains and industry … Read more
Government Response
The MOD did not commit to publishing data on the composition of shipbuilding supply chains and instead outlined existing initiatives to understand and improve supply chain resilience.
Scotland Office
View details
29 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard evidence that the MOD and the Scottish Government could both have a better...
We heard evidence that the MOD and the Scottish Government could both have a better understanding of the skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce. This makes workforce planning for a highly advanced sector like military shipbuilding more challenging. Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address this challenge by collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy. The UKSST includes representatives from both Skills Development Scotland and Scottish industry.
Scotland Office
View details
30 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Building on the work of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce, the Ministry of Defence should...
Building on the work of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce, the Ministry of Defence should commission regular research to develop and keep up to date its understanding of the current and future skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce, and the … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is already addressing this challenge and includes representatives from Skills Development Scotland and Scottish industry.
Scotland Office
View details
31 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The creation of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce shows a welcome recognition of the importance...
The creation of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce shows a welcome recognition of the importance of long-term workforce planning in shipbuilding. This kind of planning is essential if Scottish yards are to have the highly-skilled workers they need to thrive … Read more
Government Response
The NSO agrees that workforce planning by the UKSST is essential. The 30-Year Cross-Government shipbuilding pipeline provides transparency and encourages investment in skills. The NSO also recognizes shared ambitions between the work of the UKSST and Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET).
Scotland Office
View details
32 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We invite the UK Shipbuilding Taskforce, together with UK Government Ministers, to give oral evidence...
We invite the UK Shipbuilding Taskforce, together with UK Government Ministers, to give oral evidence to the Committee when the UKSST’s report is published in autumn 2023, so that its findings can be discussed further and priorities identified to ensure … Read more
Government Response
The Chair of the UKSST, with support from Government, would be pleased to meet with the Committee following publication of its report.
Scotland Office
View details
33 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We wish to underline that the additional complexity of building warships demands highly specialised skills...
We wish to underline that the additional complexity of building warships demands highly specialised skills and knowledge, and that these will need to be updated and refreshed as warship design and manufacture evolves.
Government Response
The UKSST will consider the skills requirements and know-how for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, including the warship, commercial, workboat and leisure market sectors, both in the short and long term. The UKSST will also consider the impact of technological innovation on these sectors.
Scotland Office
View details
34 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce’s report should identify the skills demands of the warship industry...
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce’s report should identify the skills demands of the warship industry specifically, as well as steps that can be taken to meet those needs.
Government Response
The UKSST will consider the skills requirements and know-how for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, including the warship, commercial, workboat and leisure market sectors, both in the short and long term. The UKSST will also consider the impact of technological innovation on these sectors.
Scotland Office
View details
35 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Skills policies will best support the shipbuilding industry if the UK and Scottish Governments’ approaches...
Skills policies will best support the shipbuilding industry if the UK and Scottish Governments’ approaches complement each other. For this to happen, education policymakers in Scotland will need to be able to receive clear signals about the skills needs of … Read more
Government Response
The UKSST, NSO and DfE welcome the signal from the Committee to work collaboratively to meet the skills needs of the sector through the existing education system. The NSO has committed to providing transparency on future orders and a stable baseline of work through the 30 Year Cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
36 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce should have a specific objective to encourage coordination between different...
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce should have a specific objective to encourage coordination between different jurisdictions in the UK, so that a common effort can be made towards supporting shipbuilding in Scotland and other parts of the UK. (Paragraph 98) … Read more
Government Response
The UKSST, NSO and DfE welcome the signal to work collaboratively to meet skills needs, recognizing skills is a devolved issue. The UKSST is committed to ensuring its recommendations work for all UK nations and has worked with Devolved Administrations.
Scotland Office
View details
37 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The creation of the National Shipbuilding Office is a welcome development that can bring greater...
The creation of the National Shipbuilding Office is a welcome development that can bring greater coherence to shipbuilding planning. At the same time, we note that the NSO does not have formal powers and will therefore rely on its ability … Read more
Government Response
The NSO is a strategic organization overseeing the Government’s shipbuilding interests, working with Departments to optimize shipbuilding requirements and reporting to the Secretary of State for Defence.
Scotland Office
View details
38 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Government should carry out and lay before Parliament a formal evaluation of the...
The UK Government should carry out and lay before Parliament a formal evaluation of the contribution of the National Shipbuilding Office after two years, and again after five and ten years, to assess whether it has succeeded in driving better … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the NSO is gathering the required data to monitor and assure the delivery of the Refresh, and reports to the Secretary of State for Defence who has the ability to hold other Ministers to account. They believe the NSO is suitably empowered to provide strategic oversight and is committed to demonstrating accountability and value publicly, including the publication of the NSO Corporate Plan (2022–25).
Scotland Office
View details
39 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The establishment of a National Shipbuilding Office hub in Edinburgh provides a welcome link to...
The establishment of a National Shipbuilding Office hub in Edinburgh provides a welcome link to Scottish shipbuilders.
Government Response
The Department are pleased that the committee recognises the importance of the NSO’s physical presence in Scotland. The NSO is using the Edinburgh base to host staff, support visits and engagement and has made the space available for other Departments involved in delivery of the NSbS.
Scotland Office
View details
40 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
To enhance its relationships with the Scottish shipbuilding sector, the National Shipbuilding Office should, by...
To enhance its relationships with the Scottish shipbuilding sector, the National Shipbuilding Office should, by the end of 2023, establish a permanent staff presence in its Edinburgh hub, as the MOD and NSO have indicated. Defence in Scotland: military shipbuilding … Read more
Government Response
The NSO has signed a lease for a base in Queen Elizabeth House in Edinburgh to host its staff and support engagement. The NSO advertises all its job vacancies to be based from either its Edinburgh or London offices.
Scotland Office
View details
41 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
A theme we heard repeatedly emphasised during our inquiry was the importance of a regular...
A theme we heard repeatedly emphasised during our inquiry was the importance of a regular ‘drumbeat’ of orders to provide a consistent workload that could help industry plan for the future. Stakeholders from all parts of the sector stressed that … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and the NSbS aims to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government through a 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline. The NSO has committed to updating the shipbuilding pipeline at each multi-year Spending Review.
Scotland Office
View details
42 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Stakeholders also emphasised that a steady ‘drumbeat’ could underpin future investment that would make the...
Stakeholders also emphasised that a steady ‘drumbeat’ could underpin future investment that would make the industry more productive in the future. Mr Waddell told us: It is a very simple equation. If businesses are faced with uncertainty, they do not … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognises the importance of a regular drumbeat of orders and states the NSbS and 30-year pipeline aim to provide a sustainable demand signal. They also highlight workforce and programme details.
Scotland Office
View details
43 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In written evidence, the UK Defence Journal set out their understanding of the shipbuilding pipeline...
In written evidence, the UK Defence Journal set out their understanding of the shipbuilding pipeline for BAE Systems and Babcock as of April 2022 (Table 1). 64 BAE Systems (DIS0030) 65 UK Defence Journal (DIS0022) 66 Q2 67 Q3 68 … Read more
Government Response
The MOD fully recognises the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry. The NSbS is clear that we do not want a return to the “boom and bust” cycles of historic Naval demand, but to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government as a whole, providing the certainty required by industry. The NSO has committed to updating the shipbuilding pipeline at each multi-year Spending Review.
Scotland Office
View details
44 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In his foreword to the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, the Defence Secretary says the UK...
In his foreword to the National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh, the Defence Secretary says the UK Government “will give industry a much clearer demand signal about what we are trying to achieve with our procurement programmes” and that for the first … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognises the importance of a regular drumbeat of orders and states the NSbS and 30-year pipeline aim to provide a sustainable demand signal. They also highlight workforce and programme details.
Scotland Office
View details
45 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Some parts of this pipeline have since been confirmed, such as the confirmation that the...
Some parts of this pipeline have since been confirmed, such as the confirmation that the second batch of Type 26 frigates would be built by BAE at Govan (considered in more detail later in this chapter).73 However, the pipeline is … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and highlights the 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
46 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Other elements of the pipeline face questions, including the Type 32 frigates, which under the...
Other elements of the pipeline face questions, including the Type 32 frigates, which under the pipeline suggested above would be built by Babcock at Rosyth from 2028 into the late 2030s. A National Audit Office report in November noted that, … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and the NSbS aims to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government through a 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline. The NSO has committed to updating the shipbuilding pipeline at each multi-year Spending Review. The Type 32 Frigate programme remains a key part of the future fleet and will be UK-built, but the procurement route has yet to be determined.
Scotland Office
View details
47 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In addition to uncertainty around the Type 32 frigate, the selection of Team Resolute as...
In addition to uncertainty around the Type 32 frigate, the selection of Team Resolute as the preferred bidder for the Fleet Solid Support ships contract (as discussed in paragraphs 20–27 above) also means that the FSS vessels (considered later in … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and highlights the 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
48 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Representatives from the shipbuilding industry told us that having sight of upcoming shipbuilding projects over...
Representatives from the shipbuilding industry told us that having sight of upcoming shipbuilding projects over the coming decades was helpful, but that it was less clear how this translated into a drumbeat of work for shipyards. Ian Waddell of the … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognises the importance of a regular drumbeat of orders and states the NSbS and 30-year pipeline aim to provide a sustainable demand signal. They also highlight workforce and programme details.
Scotland Office
View details
49 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its December 2021 report “We’re going to need a bigger Navy”, the Defence Select...
In its December 2021 report “We’re going to need a bigger Navy”, the Defence Select Committee recommended that the Ministry of Defence provide Parliament with an annual shipbuilding plan, including the number of ships planned to enter and leave service … Read more
Government Response
The MOD acknowledges the committee's interest in the construction of Type 26 and will consider the request when providing updates to Parliament on key Defence programs.
Scotland Office
View details
50 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard differing views over how decisions about how Scotland’s constitutional future might affect the...
We heard differing views over how decisions about how Scotland’s constitutional future might affect the shipbuilding pipeline. Professor Keith Hartley told us that “at the moment, the industry’s future depends on the Royal Navy. Without the Royal Navy, you would … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and highlights the 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
51 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We wish to underline the importance to Scottish shipyards of maintaining a dependable ‘drumbeat’ of...
We wish to underline the importance to Scottish shipyards of maintaining a dependable ‘drumbeat’ of orders to allow them to invest and grow. The days of ‘feast and famine’ must not return. The creation of the National Shipbuilding Strategy suggests … Read more
Government Response
The MOD fully recognises the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry. The NSbS is clear that we do not want a return to the “boom and bust” cycles of historic Naval demand, but to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government as a whole, providing the certainty required by industry. The NSO has committed to updating the shipbuilding pipeline at each multi-year Spending Review.
Scotland Office
View details
52 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Government should provide greater clarity about the work that will fill the whole...
The UK Government should provide greater clarity about the work that will fill the whole of the 30-year shipbuilding pipeline into the 2030s and 2040s. It is of course difficult to calculate precise military needs beyond 2050. However, the UK … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of maintaining a regular drumbeat of orders across the Shipbuilding industry and aims to provide a more sustainable demand signal from Government as a whole through the 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline of over 150 new vessels.
Scotland Office
View details
53 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Recent developments have introduced uncertainty about some orders in the pipeline and whether it sets...
Recent developments have introduced uncertainty about some orders in the pipeline and whether it sets out a clear ‘drumbeat’ of orders needed to sustain Scottish shipyards. The Fleet Solid Support Ships and the National Flagship are two examples. There has … Read more
Government Response
The MOD recognizes the importance of a regular drumbeat of orders and highlights the 30-year cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline. Scotland plays a vital role in defence shipbuilding, and the Type 26 Batch 2 contract reaffirms the UK Government's commitment to shipbuilding in Scotland.
Scotland Office
View details
54 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence...
In its response to this report, and in its annual shipbuilding update to the Defence Select Committee, the UK Government should provide an update on the current status of the military shipbuilding pipeline for Scottish naval yards. In particular, it … Read more
Government Response
The government confirms the Royal Navy intends to procure more frigates and destroyers, states the T32 program is in the concept phase, and the suspension of the National Flagship has not created a gap in the pipeline as the MROS ships are being brought forward.
Scotland Office
View details
55 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
During our inquiry the Prime Minister announced the decision that the second batch of Type...
During our inquiry the Prime Minister announced the decision that the second batch of Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates would be built by BAE in Glasgow.90 This means that, in addition to the three Type 26 ships already being built, … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of the Type 26 frigates, but reports that the Initial Operating Capability date of the first ship will be a year later than anticipated with additional costs, but work is underway to increase productivity and improve efficiency.
Scotland Office
View details
56 Conclusion Not Addressed
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Prior to the announcement of the Batch 2 contract, the Defence Secretary informed the House...
Prior to the announcement of the Batch 2 contract, the Defence Secretary informed the House in a Written Ministerial Statement that there would be a 12-month delay to the Batch 1 frigates becoming operational, from October 2027 to October 2028. … Read more
Government Response
The response acknowledges the delay in the Initial Operating Capability date of the first Type 26, HMS Glasgow, due to a number of complex reasons including global challenges, and that work is underway to increase productivity and improve on the revised forecast Initial Operating Capability date.
Scotland Office
View details
57 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
As noted in the section above, the Defence Select Committee has recommended that the Ministry...
As noted in the section above, the Defence Select Committee has recommended that the Ministry of Defence provides an annual shipbuilding update to Parliament, and annual updates on particular programmes including the Type 26 frigate. No such update has yet … Read more
Government Response
The MOD acknowledges the committee's interest in the construction of Type 26 and will consider the request when providing updates to Parliament on key Defence programs.
Scotland Office
View details
58 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The award of the contract to build five additional Type 26 frigates to BAE Systems...
The award of the contract to build five additional Type 26 frigates to BAE Systems is welcome news for Scottish shipbuilding, and importantly continues the shipbuilding ‘drumbeat’ into the medium-term. We note that, partly as a consequence of global challenges, … Read more
Government Response
The MOD welcomes the committee’s interest in the construction of Type 26 and will consider its request when providing updates to Parliament on key Defence programmes.
Scotland Office
View details
59 Recommendation Rejected
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Given the ongoing global uncertainties we ask the UK Government to provide annual updates on...
Given the ongoing global uncertainties we ask the UK Government to provide annual updates on the construction of the Type 26 vessels to both Houses of Parliament. We note that the Defence Select Committee has made a similar recommendation, but … Read more
Government Response
The MOD does not disclose details of losing bids in commercial competitions and states that the FSS contract award resulted from a fair and open competition, supporting the objectives of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Scotland Office
View details
60 Conclusion Not Addressed
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
As discussed in Chapter 2, in November 2022 the MOD took the decision to select...
As discussed in Chapter 2, in November 2022 the MOD took the decision to select Team Resolute as the preferred bidder for the Fleet Solid Support ships contract. The MOD did not select a bid from Team UK, a consortium … Read more
Government Response
The government defends its decision to award the Fleet Solid Support ship contract to Team Resolute, citing ongoing work in Scottish shipyards, investment in the UK, and adherence to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Scotland Office
View details
61 Conclusion Not Addressed
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Sir Simon Lister of BAE told us that were the FSS vessels not to be...
Sir Simon Lister of BAE told us that were the FSS vessels not to be built in Scotland it would create a gap in the continuity of orders for workers in the Scottish warship industry, but added that this gap … Read more
Government Response
The government defends its decision to award the Fleet Solid Support ship contract to Team Resolute, citing ongoing work in Scottish shipyards, investment in the UK, and adherence to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Scotland Office
View details
62 Conclusion Rejected
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The decision to select Team Resolute bid as the preferred bidder for the upcoming order...
The decision to select Team Resolute bid as the preferred bidder for the upcoming order of Fleet Solid Support ships could create a potential gap in the workstream for the Scottish warship industry.
Government Response
The MOD does not agree that the decision to award the Fleet Solid Support contract to Team Resolute creates a potential gap in the workstream for the Scottish warship industry, citing ongoing construction of Type 31 and Type 26 frigates.
Scotland Office
View details
63 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In its response, the UK Government should set out how much capacity it expects to...
In its response, the UK Government should set out how much capacity it expects to now be available in the Scottish warship industry in each of the years between 2025– 2032 as a result of the decision to select Team … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the Fleet Solid Support contract will still provide opportunities for Scotland, and Scottish shipyards will have ample opportunity to fill their order books over the next decade, the NSO recognises that key to delivering this Government’s vision for UK shipbuilding is to better understand the opportunities and pressures across the sector.
Scotland Office
View details
64 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
In addition to its large shipyards, Scotland is home to a large number of Small...
In addition to its large shipyards, Scotland is home to a large number of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) which contribute to Scottish shipbuilding and to the wider defence sector. An SME is defined as a company with annual turnover … Read more
Government Response
The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022, which outlines the commitments being made to increasing and supporting opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and supports the Defence Suppliers Portal which offers SMEs access to view contracting opportunities.
Scotland Office
View details
65 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK defence sector, and the shipbuilding industry in particular, is dominated by a relatively...
The UK defence sector, and the shipbuilding industry in particular, is dominated by a relatively small number of major companies. This is partly as a result of significant rationalisation and consolidation over the years, the highly specialised nature of its … Read more
Government Response
The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022, outlining commitments to increasing opportunities for SMEs and supporting the defence supply chain through initiatives such as the Defence Suppliers Portal and digital outreach.
Scotland Office
View details
66 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Only a small proportion of MOD spending with SMEs goes to Scottish SMEs, however.
Only a small proportion of MOD spending with SMEs goes to Scottish SMEs, however. During our previous defence inquiry into Scotland’s military landscape, the MOD told us that Scottish SMEs accounted for just over £25 million of the MOD’s total … Read more
Government Response
The MOD had a target of 25% of procurement spend going to SMEs by the end of 2022 and expects Scottish SMEs played a significant role in this. Figures for FY21/22 show £67M went directly to Scottish SMEs, representing 7% of total direct SME spend.
Scotland Office
View details
67 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The MOD’s SME Action Plan acknowledges some of the challenges SMEs face.
The MOD’s SME Action Plan acknowledges some of the challenges SMEs face. The Plan notes that “improving access to opportunities for SMEs also requires support from MOD as the end customer”109 and proposes a number of actions aimed at improving … Read more
Government Response
The MOD refers to its existing SME Action Plan and digital outreach to support SMEs, and mentions the Department for Transport's lead role in the Regional Maritime Cluster Development Programme.
Scotland Office
View details
68 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard that geographically targeted measures could be an effective way of involving SMEs in...
We heard that geographically targeted measures could be an effective way of involving SMEs in defence supply chains, such as fostering the growth of industry clusters. Hans Pung of RAND Europe, when asked what the UK Government could do to … Read more
Government Response
The MOD outlines the SME Action Plan and initiatives to support SMEs, including the Defence Suppliers Portal, SME champions, and digital outreach. They also note the Department for Transport is the lead for the Regional Maritime Cluster Development Programme.
Scotland Office
View details
69 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs...
We note that the MOD did not agree with the concerns expressed by Scottish SMEs during our Defence in Scotland: military landscape inquiry about the difficulties they experienced engaging with the Ministry. The steps the UK Government outlined in its … Read more
Government Response
The MOD published the SME Action Plan in 2022 which outlines the commitments being made to increasing and supporting opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), including easier procurement models, recognition of the role of the MOD and its suppliers in supporting the supply chain, and support for innovation and exports. The MOD also supports the Defence Suppliers Portal and digital outreach, and aims to achieve 25% of Defence spend with SMEs this year. The Department for Transport is the lead for the Regional Maritime Cluster Development Programme.
Scotland Office
View details
70 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy...
The Ministry of Defence should, in line with its commitments in the National Shipbuilding Strategy and the UK Government’s commitments in Maritime 2050, work specifically to develop shipbuilding clusters in Scotland. In responding to this report, the UK Government should … Read more
Government Response
The MOD refers to its existing SME Action Plan and digital outreach to support SMEs, and mentions the Department for Transport's lead role in the Regional Maritime Cluster Development Programme.
Scotland Office
View details
71 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial...
The Ministry of Defence should report back to us at the end of the financial year to confirm whether it met its target of spending 25 per cent of its procurement spend with SMEs. In addition, it should provide an … Read more
Government Response
The MOD is gathering figures for Financial Year 2021/22, and will publish on Gov.uk in as part of the annual data on central government SME spend; regional statistics have recently been published that confirm that £67M went directly to Scottish SMEs in that year, representing 7% of our total direct SME spend. They state that direct spend only accounts for a small proportion of their overall spend with SMEs.
Scotland Office
View details
72 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Another tool the MOD uses to attempt to deliver benefits for local economies and communities...
Another tool the MOD uses to attempt to deliver benefits for local economies and communities is through using social value criteria to evaluate contracts. The MOD has a minimum 20 per cent weighting for social value. which will be applied … Read more
Government Response
The NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered. Under the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, the contracting authority is also mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
View details
73 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard there was some uncertainty over how MOD assessed social value, and how delivery...
We heard there was some uncertainty over how MOD assessed social value, and how delivery of social value would be measured. Industry representatives told the Defence Committee that social value was “probably the biggest factor in deciding who will win … Read more
Government Response
Both the NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered, with the contracting authority mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
View details
74 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard that including a social value component in shipbuilding contracts can help deliver benefits...
We heard that including a social value component in shipbuilding contracts can help deliver benefits for the wider economy and in shipbuilding communities. However, there are challenges in measuring how effectively those commitments are being delivered on. Read more
Government Response
The NSO and the MOD are committed to ensuring that social value commitments through Government shipbuilding procurements and investments are delivered. Under the Cabinet Office Social Value Model, the contracting authority is also mandated to assess the supplier’s performance.
Scotland Office
View details
75 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The MOD should set out how it evaluates social value in competitions, how it measures...
The MOD should set out how it evaluates social value in competitions, how it measures the delivery of social value in the contracts it negotiates, and how it holds contractors accountable to ensure they meet those targets. It should also, … Read more
Government Response
The MOD uses the Cabinet Office Social Value Model as the framework, measures social value delivery using standard metrics, contract-specific metrics, and a Social Value Key Performance Indicator, and manages performance like any other contractual obligation with appropriate reporting and performance management terms.
Scotland Office
View details
76 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Professor Keith Hartley of the University of York told us that there was a limited...
Professor Keith Hartley of the University of York told us that there was a limited understanding of shipbuilding supply chains: The problem we face in the Scottish shipbuilding industry is that, although we know the major primes like BAE and … Read more
Government Response
The MOD operates initiatives to improve understanding of supply chains, including the Supply Chain Resilience Programme and a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) requiring contractors to provide supply chain maps.
Scotland Office
View details
77 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Defence Secretary acknowledged that the MOD’s understanding of supply chains had been “one of...
The Defence Secretary acknowledged that the MOD’s understanding of supply chains had been “one of our vulnerabilities” in the past, but said that since then “there has been a real drive across Government, and certainly in our department, to map … Read more
Government Response
The MOD operates a series of initiatives to improve understanding of supply chains and address vulnerabilities, including a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and the introduction of a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) in contracts to map supply chains.
Scotland Office
View details
78 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard that historically the Ministry of Defence’s understanding of shipbuilding supply chains had been...
We heard that historically the Ministry of Defence’s understanding of shipbuilding supply chains had been a vulnerability. The Secretary of State told us this had subsequently improved. The new Defence Supply Chain Strategy’s emphasis on building resilience in supply chains … Read more
Government Response
The MOD states that it already operates several initiatives to improve the understanding of supply chains, including a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) in contracts.
Scotland Office
View details
79 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Ministry of Defence should publish data on the composition of shipbuilding supply chains, to...
The Ministry of Defence should publish data on the composition of shipbuilding supply chains, to assist understanding of how the UK shipbuilding industry is structured. This should include regional breakdowns so that the extent of local supply chains and industry … Read more
Government Response
The MOD states it already has initiatives to improve understanding of supply chains, including a Supply Chain Resilience Programme and a new Defence Condition (DEFCON) requiring supply chain maps.
Scotland Office
View details
80 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
A number of contributors to our inquiry highlighted that shipbuilding is an industry that requires...
A number of contributors to our inquiry highlighted that shipbuilding is an industry that requires a highly trained and specialised workforce.127 This is particularly true in the warship industry because warships are built to more demanding specifications: they must be … Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address this challenge by collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy, with a report of recommended actions expected in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
81 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
As well as employing large numbers of skilled workers in its shipyards, Scotland also trains...
As well as employing large numbers of skilled workers in its shipyards, Scotland also trains highly specialised workers at its higher and further education institutions, many of which go on to work for BAE and Babcock. Among the institutions which … Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address this challenge by collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy, with a report of recommended actions expected in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
82 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions said workforce recruitment, skills and retention were “the...
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions said workforce recruitment, skills and retention were “the biggest challenge for the industry and the enterprise collectively.”129 City of Glasgow College, one of the biggest trainers of Scottish shipbuilders, agreed that “Scottish shipbuilding … Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
83 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
A further challenge relates to retaining existing staff.
A further challenge relates to retaining existing staff. Witnesses told us that uncertainty about future workloads could lead to staff leaving their roles. John Howie of Babcock said: “There are inherent inefficiencies in ordering a batch of ships and then … Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) seeks to address the challenge of retaining existing staff by developing and implementing a future-focussed skills strategy. The UKSST includes representatives from Skills Development Scotland and Scottish industry and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
84 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Witnesses emphasised the importance of a reliable drumbeat of work to help them recruit and...
Witnesses emphasised the importance of a reliable drumbeat of work to help them recruit and retain staff. City of Glasgow College called for “a clearer demand signal to trigger both the public and private sector investment needed to expand the … Read more
Government Response
The government is addressing this challenge through the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST), which aims to develop and implement a future-focused skills strategy and publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
85 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Another challenge identified by contributors related to retraining and lifelong learning for the existing workforce.
Another challenge identified by contributors related to retraining and lifelong learning for the existing workforce. City of Glasgow College told us “a skilled workforce which is regularly upskilled and reskilled across a lifetime is vital to sustaining a world-class shipbuilding … Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
86 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Some contributors to our inquiry argued that addressing skills challenges was made more difficult by...
Some contributors to our inquiry argued that addressing skills challenges was made more difficult by a lack of data on the skills composition of the UK workforce. Professor Keith Hartley told us that while the UK has “decent data on … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating to develop and implement a skills strategy and will publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
87 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We heard evidence that the MOD and the Scottish Government could both have a better...
We heard evidence that the MOD and the Scottish Government could both have a better understanding of the skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce. This makes workforce planning for a highly advanced sector like military shipbuilding more challenging. Read more
Government Response
The government is addressing this challenge through the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST), which aims to develop and implement a future-focused skills strategy and publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
88 Recommendation Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Building on the work of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce, the Ministry of Defence should...
Building on the work of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce, the Ministry of Defence should commission regular research to develop and keep up to date its understanding of the current and future skills profile of the shipbuilding workforce, and the … Read more
Government Response
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST) is collaborating across Government, the Devolved Administrations, industry and training providers to develop and implement a future-focussed skills strategy and intends to publish a report of recommended actions in autumn 2023.
Scotland Office
View details
89 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh recognised the importance of skills as an issue, and in...
The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh recognised the importance of skills as an issue, and in response announced the establishment of a UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce (UKSST). The Taskforce is run by the Department for Education, working with the National Shipbuilding … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the scope of the UKSST aligns with the NSbS Refresh and will consider the skills requirements for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, as well as the impact of technological innovation.
Scotland Office
View details
90 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh implicitly recognises that the design and building of warships is...
The National Shipbuilding Strategy Refresh implicitly recognises that the design and building of warships is significantly more complex than for many other vessels, and includes warships as a discrete category when listing types of shipbuilding undertaken in the UK.149 It … Read more
Government Response
The government states the UKSST will consider the skills requirements for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, including the warship sector.
Scotland Office
View details
91 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The creation of the UKSST was widely welcomed by contributors to our inquiry.152 John Howie...
The creation of the UKSST was widely welcomed by contributors to our inquiry.152 John Howie of Babcock described it as “a key example of…the longer term planning that is needed to ensure that we generate the next generation of the … Read more
Government Response
The NSO agrees that workforce planning by the UKSST is essential, and that the 30 Year Cross-Government shipbuilding pipeline provides transparency to plan and manage its workforce, and encourages investment in skills; the Chair of the UKSST would be pleased to meet with the Committee following publication of its report.
Scotland Office
View details
92 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
A complicating factor in the work of the Taskforce is the devolved nature of skills...
A complicating factor in the work of the Taskforce is the devolved nature of skills policy in parts of the UK, including in Scotland. Kevin Craven of ADS Group said “the devolved nature of the work involved means that co-ordination … Read more
Government Response
The UKSST, NSO and DfE welcome this signal from the Committee to work collaboratively to meet the skills needs of the sector through the existing education system. The UKSST recognises skills is a devolved issue and is committed to ensuring its recommendations work for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Scotland Office
View details
93 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The creation of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce shows a welcome recognition of the importance...
The creation of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce shows a welcome recognition of the importance of long-term workforce planning in shipbuilding. This kind of planning is essential if Scottish yards are to have the highly-skilled workers they need to thrive … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees that workforce planning by the UKSST is essential and that the 30-year shipbuilding pipeline will provide industry with transparency to plan and manage its workforce and encourage investment in skills. The Chair of the UKSST would be pleased to meet with the Committee following publication of its report.
Scotland Office
View details
94 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We invite the UK Shipbuilding Taskforce, together with UK Government Ministers, to give oral evidence...
We invite the UK Shipbuilding Taskforce, together with UK Government Ministers, to give oral evidence to the Committee when the UKSST’s report is published in autumn 2023, so that its findings can be discussed further and priorities identified to ensure … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees the workforce planning is essential and the Chair of the UKSST would be pleased to meet with the Committee following publication of its report.
Scotland Office
View details
95 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
We wish to underline that the additional complexity of building warships demands highly specialised skills...
We wish to underline that the additional complexity of building warships demands highly specialised skills and knowledge, and that these will need to be updated and refreshed as warship design and manufacture evolves.
Government Response
The government states the UKSST will consider the skills requirements for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, including the warship sector.
Scotland Office
View details
96 Conclusion Accepted
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce’s report should identify the skills demands of the warship industry...
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce’s report should identify the skills demands of the warship industry specifically, as well as steps that can be taken to meet those needs.
Government Response
The scope of the UKSST aligns with the NSbS Refresh and it will therefore consider the skills requirements and know-how for the entirety of the shipbuilding enterprise, including the warship, commercial, workboat and leisure market sectors, both in the short and long term.
Scotland Office
View details
97 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
Skills policies will best support the shipbuilding industry if the UK and Scottish Governments’ approaches...
Skills policies will best support the shipbuilding industry if the UK and Scottish Governments’ approaches complement each other. For this to happen, education policymakers in Scotland will need to be able to receive clear signals about the skills needs of … Read more
Government Response
The UKSST, NSO and DfE welcome the signal to work collaboratively and state the UKSST is committed to ensuring its recommendations work for all UK nations, and the NSO will provide transparency on future orders via the 30 Year Cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
98 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fourth Report - Defence in Scotlan…
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce should have a specific objective to encourage coordination between different...
The UK Shipbuilding Skills Taskforce should have a specific objective to encourage coordination between different jurisdictions in the UK, so that a common effort can be made towards supporting shipbuilding in Scotland and other parts of the UK. Defence in … Read more
Government Response
The UKSST, NSO and DfE welcome the signal to work collaboratively and are committed to ensuring its recommendations work for all UK nations, with the NSO providing transparency on future orders and a stable baseline of work through the 30 Year Cross-Government Shipbuilding Pipeline.
Scotland Office
View details
1 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Scotland's geography and capabilities are critical for UK/NATO defence objectives.
The UK Government is clear that Scotland’s geography, and the capabilities located there, is critical to meeting the UK and NATO’s defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North.
Government Response
The government welcomed the report, agreeing that Scotland's geography and defence assets are critical to UK and NATO objectives, and reiterated its existing commitment to using these capabilities as part of a UK-wide defence strategy.
Scotland Office
View details
2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
North Atlantic and High North geopolitics evolving, requiring UK adaptation and resources.
The UK Government’s policy document, The UK’s Defence Contribution in the High North, adopts appropriate strategic priorities for the region. At the same time, the geopolitics of the North Atlantic and the High North are evolving and the UK will … Read more
Government Response
The government recognized the need to adapt its approach to new security threats in the High North and committed to improving its understanding of the region and its evolving geopolitics, affirming a UK-wide strategy for any changes.
Scotland Office
View details
3 Conclusion Rejected
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Commit Ministry of Defence to updating Arctic defence strategy every five years.
The Ministry of Defence should commit to updating its Arctic defence strategy every five years, to reflect the strategic acceleration in the region and to bring it into line with the FCDO’s Arctic Strategy for the whole of Government, which … Read more
Government Response
The government rejected the recommendation to update its Arctic defence strategy every five years, stating its 2022 strategy is designed for 10 years and that reviews are conducted regularly, but not on a fixed five-year cycle. It noted the Defence Command Paper had already been published.
Scotland Office
View details
4 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
UK and NATO face new environmental and political challenges in the High North.
The UK and NATO face new challenges in the North Atlantic in the High North. In particular, the Arctic faces new environmental and political challenges which must be navigated carefully if the region is to remain one of high co-operation … Read more
Government Response
The government states that its 10-year strategy already commits to improving understanding of the region, monitoring challenges, and regularly reviewing priorities, reiterating existing Integrated Review analysis. It also describes ongoing monitoring of subsea infrastructure vulnerability.
Scotland Office
View details
5 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Set out most recent assessment of evolving UK defence and security priorities in North Atlantic
The UK Government should continue to be proactive in considering how the UK’s defence and security priorities in the North Atlantic and the High North may change in the future, in response to the changing geopolitical context and the effects … Read more
Government Response
The government states that its 10-year strategy commits to improving understanding of the region and regularly reviewing defence and security priorities. It outlines its current assessment of challenges, including Russian belligerence, resource competition, and subsea infrastructure vulnerability, reiterating points from the 2021 and 2023 Integrated Reviews.
Scotland Office
View details
6 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Climate change creates new Royal Navy responsibilities from opening Arctic sea routes
Climate change is likely to lead to the opening of new sea routes due to the retreat of Arctic ice. While the overriding priority should be to minimise the effects of climate change, the UK Government must also be prepared … Read more
Government Response
The government response is truncated and contains no substantive content regarding the recommendation.
Scotland Office
View details
7 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Consider new defence responsibilities from climate change and uphold UNCLOS principles
The UK Government should consider how the effects of climate change might create new defence and security responsibilities in the future, in particular for naval policing and search and rescue. The UK should also seek to promote and uphold the … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is monitoring climate change implications for the region. It clarifies that search and rescue is primarily an Arctic State responsibility, though the UK has North Atlantic duties and cooperates. It affirms its commitment to upholding UNCLOS and freedom of navigation, but does not recognise the phrase 'naval policing' in the High North.
Scotland Office
View details
8 Conclusion Deferred
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Offshore and subsea critical infrastructure vulnerable to interference, lacking clear repair plan
Events like the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline have shown that Critical National Infrastructure that is based offshore or beneath the sea can be vulnerable to interference. This is a concern in the North Atlantic, where transatlantic cables are … Read more
Government Response
The Ministry of Defence states it cannot comment on the repair of transatlantic cables and indicates that wider government efforts, coordinated by the Cabinet Office, involve several departments to assure UK interests, but provides no further detail on repair plans.
Scotland Office
View details
9 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Publish strategy for protecting offshore infrastructure, including deterrence and rapid repair plans
The UK Government should produce and publish a strategy for protecting offshore infrastructure. This should include a plan for how attempts by malign actors to interfere with Critical National Infrastructure can be deterred or prevented, and how damaged infrastructure can … Read more
Government Response
The government states that protecting subsea infrastructure is already a core part of its National Strategy for Maritime Security. It describes ongoing efforts, including inter-departmental cooperation, monitoring, naval patrols, and working with allies to deter threats and ensure resilience, stating that any deliberate attack would be met with a united response.
Scotland Office
View details
10 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Set out timeline for Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ships and confirm Scottish build
The UK Government should set out the timeline for the refitted Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship, RFA Proteus, and the future purpose-built Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship to come into service. It should state whether it is still the intention, as set … Read more
Government Response
The government committed RFA PROTEUS to reach Initial Operating Capability by mid-2024 and Full Operating Capability by the end of 2024. For the future Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship-2, the program is in the pre-concept phase with no decisions yet made regarding its capability or build location.
Scotland Office
View details
11 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
UK’s NATO and JEF roles evolving, creating new North Atlantic responsibilities
The UK’s role and responsibilities in NATO may evolve in response to changing geopolitics, including increasing tensions with Russia and the consequent accession of Finland and (as seems likely) Sweden to the alliance. This may entail new or changed responsibilities … Read more
Government Response
The government states it will continue to monitor developments and regularly engage with NATO, JEF, and the Northern Group, acknowledging that its role and responsibilities may evolve. It agrees with the importance of NATO in the High North and actively participates in JEF discussions on regional security.
Scotland Office
View details
12 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Convene discussions with NATO and JEF allies on North Atlantic challenges and expanded role
We recommend that the UK Government convene discussions with its NATO and Joint Expeditionary Force allies about how these alliances should respond to new challenges in the North Atlantic and the High North, and be prepared to take an expanded … Read more
Government Response
The government states it routinely convenes discussions with NATO and JEF allies at all levels, with High North and North Atlantic security being a priority for these engagements. It commits to continue monitoring developments and engaging partners to assess new challenges and prepare for any necessary expanded role.
Scotland Office
View details
13 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Relationships with Arctic allies essential for North Atlantic security objectives
The UK’s relationships with its Arctic allies are essential to meeting common security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. These relationships will become more important should the challenges in the region become more prominent.
Government Response
The government states its High North Strategy commits to working with regional allies through various forums and regularly attends Arctic meetings. While rejecting the appointment of a political Arctic Ambassador, it is recruiting a new UK Senior Arctic lead at ambassadorial rank to strengthen engagement with partners in the region.
Scotland Office
View details
14 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Continue contributing to diplomacy in North Atlantic, considering dedicated Arctic ambassador
The UK should continue considering how it can best contribute to diplomacy and collaborative problem-solving in the North Atlantic and the High North. Actions it could take include stepping up its participation in existing fora where appropriate and considering the … Read more
Government Response
The government will continue to send delegations to Arctic forums and is recruiting a new UK Senior Arctic lead at ambassadorial rank to strengthen engagement. It does not believe appointing a political Arctic Ambassador is the right approach for the UK.
Scotland Office
View details
15 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
P-8A Poseidon cooperation provides successful model for future defence partnerships.
Cooperation around the P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft, which has enabled Norwegian aircraft to be maintained at RAF Lossiemouth, and RAF aircraft to be supported in Norway, has been a success, and provides a model for similar defence cooperation in … Read more
Government Response
The government details existing and expanding defence cooperation in the High North, including cold weather training, P8 deployments, and the establishment of a dedicated Littoral Response Group (North), aligning with the successful P-8A cooperation model.
Scotland Office
View details
16 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Pursue further direct bilateral defence cooperation opportunities with Arctic allies like Finland and Sweden.
Alongside its efforts to develop defence and security cooperation in the North Atlantic and the High North through multilateral institutions, the UK Government should pursue further opportunities for direct bilateral cooperation with Arctic allies, including new NATO members Finland and … Read more
Government Response
The government is expanding cold weather training and defence cooperation with Arctic partners, including Finland and Sweden, and is committed to bilateral collaboration, citing a strong track record of joint exercises and aligned activities.
Scotland Office
View details
17 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Scotland's geography ensures vital role in UK and NATO North Atlantic defence.
Scotland’s geography means it will continue to play an important role in meeting UK and NATO defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. This means that, should the situation in the region change, Scotland could … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges Scotland's critical role in UK defence and states it regularly reviews its defence posture across the UK in response to regional changes, without committing to a specific increase in presence.
Scotland Office
View details
18 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
UK's asset projection from Scottish bases vital for North Atlantic defence strategy.
The UK’s ability to project assets into the North Atlantic and High North if required must be maintained, as this is key to both the UK and NATO’s defence strategy. Currently this capability is based primarily at HMNB Clyde and … Read more
Government Response
The government is committed to maintaining its ability to project assets, investing in new Anti-Submarine Warfare frigates, spending over £3 billion on Scottish defence sites including £1.6 billion on HMNB Clyde, and £470 million on RAF Lossiemouth infrastructure.
Scotland Office
View details
19 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Maintaining Faslane for nuclear deterrent recognised as crucial for UK and NATO.
The committee heard evidence during this inquiry of the need to maintain HM Naval Base Clyde as home to the Royal Navy’s nuclear-armed Vanguard 15 class submarines that form the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent, as well as the Astute Class … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the committee's recognition of HM Naval Base Clyde's strategic importance, confirming it will remain the single operational home for Vanguard and Astute Class submarines, and that investment in it as the UK’s Submarine Centre of Specialisation continues.
Scotland Office
View details
20 Recommendation Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Set out scope for scaling up Scottish defence presence to meet North Atlantic obligations.
In its response to this report, the UK Government should set out what scope it considers for the defence presence in Scotland to be sufficiently scaled up to respond to a scenario where the UK has greater obligations in the … Read more
Government Response
The government states that UK Armed Forces would respond to increased obligations, with the RAF able to rapidly increase assets by revising operational plans for agility. The Army would bolster RAF resilience and could rapidly increase capacity at its Scottish bases for basing assets, including temporary accommodation, and conduct further joint exercises.
Scotland Office
View details
21 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Doubts persist regarding sufficient UK aircraft for North Atlantic and High North presence.
RAF assets based in Scotland contribute to defence in the North Atlantic and the High North in a number of important ways, including surveillance, anti-submarine warfare and threat response by way of the Quick Reaction Alert jets stationed at RAF … Read more
Government Response
The government asserts that its force structure is regularly tested and that capability is not solely measured by aircraft numbers, but by the totality of platforms, systems, and coalition operations. It highlights the 2021 Defence Command Paper and the P-8 fleet, stating it remains confident it has the right force mix, supported by NATO allies.
Scotland Office
View details
22 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Review sufficiency of P-8A, E7, and Typhoon aircraft for North Atlantic security demands.
In its response to this report, the UK Government should address the concerns raised in evidence both to this inquiry and to the Defence Committee over whether the number of P-8A, E7 and Typhoon aircraft is sufficient to provide the … Read more
Government Response
The government addresses concerns by stating that its force structure is regularly tested and capability is assessed by the totality of platforms and systems, including NATO cooperation, not just aircraft numbers. It refers to the 2021 Defence Command Paper and existing P-8 procurement decisions, maintaining confidence in the current force mix while keeping capabilities under review.
Scotland Office
View details
23 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
UK possesses limited specialised cold weather capability for High North objectives.
The UK needs a clear sense of what kind of specialised cold weather capability it will need to meet its objectives in the High North. We heard that the UK currently has limited capability for operating in extremely cold environments. … Read more
Government Response
The government has committed to developing sustainable cold weather capability, will examine options to bolster its cold weather equipment and infrastructure, and plans to conduct regular cold weather training with partners. Its refreshed Cold Weather Warfare doctrine will be tested in Q1 2024 and ratified in Q2 2024.
Scotland Office
View details
24 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Review cold weather capability needed for High North defence, focusing on Scotland-based assets.
The UK Government must review, and report to the House, the extent to which, now and in the future, what capability is needed to operate in extremely cold environments at the scale required to meet evolving defence and security objectives … Read more
Government Response
The government states it is already developing, testing, and analysing cold weather capabilities through existing programmes and exercises. Its Cold Weather Warfare doctrine has been refreshed and will be tested in Q1 2024 and ratified in Q2 2024.
Scotland Office
View details
25 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Scotland's unique position offers significant advantages for space-based surveillance capabilities.
We heard that space-based capabilities provide numerous advantages for surveillance at high latitudes. Scotland, with its burgeoning space sector and a northerly location that is suitable for launch into polar orbits, is well-placed to take advantage of this opportunity. We … Read more
Government Response
The government response is a header and contains no substantive information.
Scotland Office
View details
26 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Specialised drone systems are essential for effective operations in extreme High North cold.
We heard that drones can provide an advantage in cold weather environments, but that not all drones were suited to operating in the extreme cold and that specialised systems might be needed to operate in the High North.
Government Response
The government states a Defence Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Strategy is in the final stages of approval, which will ensure UK UxSs are developed to meet challenges across all operating environments, including extreme cold.
Scotland Office
View details
27 Conclusion Acknowledged
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Consider the contribution of drones and space technology to High North defence objectives.
As part of the review into cold-weather capability recommended above, the UK Government should consider what contribution a) drones and b) space technology should make to meeting defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North. Its … Read more
Government Response
The government details its National Space Strategy, £50 million funding for UK space markets including Scottish launches, and the upcoming Defence Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Strategy which aims to ensure UxS meet challenges in all operating environments.
Scotland Office
View details
28 Conclusion Accepted
Seventh Report - Defence in Scotla…
Maximise Scotland’s burgeoning space sector for High North defence capabilities and set measurable targets.
When developing and deploying new space-based technologies in support of defence objectives in the High North, the UK Government should make the most of Scotland’s innovative and rapidly growing space sector, and its geographical advantages as a base for launching … Read more
Government Response
The government details its National Space Strategy, DSIT's work with Scottish stakeholders, and £50 million funding (including £31.5 million for vertical launch from Scotland) to develop the UK space sector and harness Scotland's potential.
Scotland Office
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 144 of 43 classified
Accepted 60
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 67
Deferred 3
Not Addressed 4
Rejected 7
Total 43 recs + 101 conclusions
Correspondence 2 letters
6 Apr 2023 From committee Letter to Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, Secretary of State for Defence at Ministry of Defence following up to the Government response to Defence in Scotland: military shipbuilding Report, dated 5 April 2023
Parliament page
7 Feb 2023 To committee Letter from Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, Secretary of State for Defence at Ministry of Defence following up from Defence in Scotland: Military shipbuilding on 6 December 2022, dated 30 January 2023
Parliament page