First Report - Defence in Scotland: military landscape
Select Committee
Scottish Affairs Committee
HC 82
24 June 2022
Recommendations
6 results
5
Acknowledged
Para 33
The MOD should, with the assistance of the Scotland Office, initiate a culture change process...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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7
Acknowledged
The UK Government should clarify definitively its position on whether current policies potentially allow for...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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9
Acknowledged
Para 61
The formal partnership arrangement between the MOD and Argyll and Bute Council has been a...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The MOD is committed to working with Scottish local authorities including through the use of formal partnership arrangements where appropriate.
Scotland Office
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12
Acknowledged
Para 74
MOD engagement processes on military basing decisions currently take place predominantly between the MOD and...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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13
Acknowledged
Para 75
The MOD should increase its efforts to collaborate with the Scottish Government on basing decisions.
Recommendation
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.
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Government Response Summary
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
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16
Acknowledged
Para 92
The MOD should conduct a review of the formats and quality of information it proactively...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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Conclusions (6) Observations and findings — click to expand
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 19
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 Patrol and E-7 Wedgetail aircraft and that Scotland will host …
Government Response Summary
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.
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 20
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.
Government Response Summary
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.
3
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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 will host a greater proportion of the Army in the …
Government Response Summary
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.
6
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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 and a regular ‘drumbeat’ of orders, which we will explore …
Government Response Summary
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.
8
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 60
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 or decreases—desired greater collaboration with the MOD on basing decisions.
Government Response Summary
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.
11
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 73
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 Summary
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.