Defending Global Britain in a Competitive Age

Defence Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 17 Mar 2021 Closed: 6 Dec 2022 Parliament page
The Committee is examining the defence task and capability commitments in the Integrated Review, the Defence in a Competitive Age paper and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy. The Committee intends to evaluate how effective the commitments will be in responding to the threats to the UK and how the … Read more
7 Recommendations
16 Conclusions
1 Report
6 Oral sessions
1 Letter
6 Events
Activity timeline 15 events
10 Nov
2022
Report published
28 Jul
2022
Report published
18 Jan
2022
Correspondence
30 Nov
2021
Oral evidence
30 Nov
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
6 Jul
2021
Oral evidence
6 Jul
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
23 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
23 Jun
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
20 Apr
2021
Oral evidence
20 Apr
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
13 Apr
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 6 sessions
30 Nov 2021
View on parliament.uk
Sir Stephen Lovegrove, National Security Adviser
6 Jul 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1
Lt Gen (Retd) Ben Hodges · Center for European Policy Analysis
23 Jun 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1
Air Marshal Richard Knighton CB · Ministry of Defence Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP · Ministry of Defence
20 Apr 2021
View on parliament.uk
Paul Hough, defence business consultant Professor John Louth, independent author and defence analyst
13 Apr 2021
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1
Dr Sidharth Kaushal · Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Rear Admiral Alex Burton, Former Commander, UK Maritime Forces (2016-2017)
23 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
Field Marshal the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux GCB CBE DSO DL · Ministry of Defence The Lord Houghton of Richmond GCB CBE DL · Ministry of Defence
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - The Integrated Review, Defence in a Competitive … HC 180 28 Jul 2022 23 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
23 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
It is difficult not to feel a sense of déjà vu as we see British...
It is difficult not to feel a sense of déjà vu as we see British military ambitions which are not entirely matched by resources. Open conflict has returned to Europe and it is disappointing to see that the Government is … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the shifting context and the less favorable economic and security environment, and states that they continue to monitor and analyze the situation in Ukraine and beyond to ensure their strategic approach remains threat-led and in line with agile planning and delivery mechanisms. They will continue to review capabilities and readiness levels and update the IR.
Ministry of Defence
View details
2 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
In the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Paper, the Government identified and understood the...
In the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Paper, the Government identified and understood the implications of the range of complex and cascading threats faced by the UK. However, the impact of both the Afghan withdrawal and the Russian full-scale … Read more
Government Response
The government states that it supports the sentiment of the recommendations made in conclusions 2,3 and 4 and recognises that the context is shifting and Defence will have to adapt accordingly to deliver the IR’s vision. They also state they are supporting the update to the Integrated Review.
Ministry of Defence
View details
3 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
There is a need for a New Chapter update to the IR and the Defence...
There is a need for a New Chapter update to the IR and the Defence Command Paper which takes into account the events in Afghanistan and Ukraine. The document should then set out how the analysis of the strategic context … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need to adapt to the shifting context, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and supports the sentiment of the recommendations, but commits to no specific review of the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper.
Ministry of Defence
View details
4 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The UK public is aware of the threats which the UK faces but does not...
The UK public is aware of the threats which the UK faces but does not appear to trust the Government to act in the national interest. Whilst investments in new technology are vital, it is also clear that, the days … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need to adapt to the shifting context, particularly regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and supports the sentiment of the recommendations, but commits to no specific review of the Integrated Review and Defence in a Competitive Age.
Ministry of Defence
View details
5 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The Government needs to ensure that the public is aware of the link between the...
The Government needs to ensure that the public is aware of the link between the cost of living and global instability: the rises in energy and food prices are both directly attributable to the conflict in Ukraine. The Government needs … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the MOD has played a full part in the UK Government response in support of Ukraine, including supporting messaging on the link between the cost of living and global instability, through regular and transparent communication.
Ministry of Defence
View details
6 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
Foreign policy decisions and consequent actions by UK Defence need to be supported by the...
Foreign policy decisions and consequent actions by UK Defence need to be supported by the UK public. The lack of organisation round the withdrawal from Afghanistan damaged the Government’s standing. However, so far, engagement with the public on the Russian … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the Committee on the importance of public engagement and stated that the UK public has consistently supported the MOD’s contribution to supporting Ukraine.
Ministry of Defence
View details
7 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy are ambitious papers,...
Defence in a Competitive Age and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy are ambitious papers, aimed at modernising UK defence and ensuring it has equipment suitable for the Information Age. Whilst the conclusions of Defence in a Competitive Age ought … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the support from the Committee in ensuring the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) is fully implemented, and notes progress made in several key areas, with ongoing work to change ways of working and challenge long-standing patterns of thinking.
Ministry of Defence
View details
8 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The reason that lack of publicly available information of the Government’s defence and security priorities...
The reason that lack of publicly available information of the Government’s defence and security priorities presents a problem is that for integration—highlighted by the MoD as absolutely vital for the UK’s security—to be effective, the NSC must set clear priorities, … Read more
Government Response
The government disputes the recommendation, asserting that the IR and Command Paper already outlined the government's priorities and Defense's contribution.
Ministry of Defence
View details
9 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The lack of prioritisation means that it is impossible to determine which of the threats...
The lack of prioritisation means that it is impossible to determine which of the threats highlighted the Government perceives to be greatest. It also results in the military seemingly being the answer for every question whilst not being appropriately resourced … Read more
Government Response
The government states that the UK Armed Forces are configured to respond to all types of threats, and that priorities are set out in the Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper, but provides no specifics on how these priorities are weighed.
Ministry of Defence
View details
10 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
We are further concerned by the use of the UK Armed Forces as a ‘backfill’,...
We are further concerned by the use of the UK Armed Forces as a ‘backfill’, employed to carry out civilian tasks by Departments which are seemingly unable to respond to crises themselves. This is compounded by the MOD’s failure to … Read more
Government Response
The MOD will only provide military support as a last resort and is in line with agreed contingency plans and arrangements to provide UK resilience and work is underway across Defence to transform systems, policies, and processes regarding reserve forces.
Ministry of Defence
View details
11 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
We recommend that the MOD publish annual figures for the assistance provided to other Government...
We recommend that the MOD publish annual figures for the assistance provided to other Government Departments and to public authorities. This list should include the number of personnel deployed, the length of deployment, the task they were deployed for, the … Read more
Government Response
The MOD already publishes much of the requested detail related to the provision of military assistance. The MOD will consider the extent to which it is possible to provide a more detailed breakdown of MACA operations. The Government will provide a response to the Reserves Forces 2030 Review, following consideration of the implications of the UK’s commitment to the NATO new force model.
Ministry of Defence
View details
12 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
Alongside the Permanent Secretary’s acknowledgement that some of the risk judgements made within the Integrated...
Alongside the Permanent Secretary’s acknowledgement that some of the risk judgements made within the Integrated Review process might need to be revisited in light of events in Ukraine, it is clear that the capability gaps which the Defence Command Paper … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the capability gaps are no longer palatable and states that they will conduct an update to the IR to ensure sufficient investment in strategic capabilities and alliances, considering how to mitigate near-term risks. Defence Digital is leading a programme to modernize skills, process and technology.
Ministry of Defence
View details
13 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The MOD faces a number of challenges following decisions made in the Integrated Review: the...
The MOD faces a number of challenges following decisions made in the Integrated Review: the likelihood of a capability gap, as equipment is retired before its replacement is introduced; a reduction in the British Army’s heavy armour and mass at … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges concerns regarding capability gaps, reduction in heavy armour, and reliance on untested technology, and states that modernization must remain the focus while also addressing near-term readiness risks. They will continue to review capabilities and readiness levels as part of the Government’s decision to update the IR.
Ministry of Defence
View details
14 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
It is clear that, even if the Government decides to proceed with the decisions taken...
It is clear that, even if the Government decides to proceed with the decisions taken in the IR and the Defence Command Paper, the timeline of changes ought also to be reviewed given the potential for capability gaps which leave … Read more
Government Response
The government stated that the Army will have a whole force of over 100,000, continues to monitor the security environment in Eastern Europe, and the Army keeps its plans under review. There are currently no plans to reverse the Army’s reduction in regular personnel, but the Army regularly assesses the balance of people, capability, and activity in line with the threats and available resources.
Ministry of Defence
View details
15 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
There is a danger of overstretch.
There is a danger of overstretch. The Government needs to ensure that the military is properly resourced with both equipment and personnel to carry out the tasks required of it. To do this, we recommend there be a wholesale re-examination … Read more
Government Response
The government supports the sentiment of the Committee’s recommendation for a wholesale re-examination of the decisions on capabilities and timeframes within the Defence Command Paper, and assures the Committee that this work is underway, including as part of the Government’s ongoing review of the IR.
Ministry of Defence
View details
16 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
Integration is key to the effective implementation of the Integrated Review and the Defence Command...
Integration is key to the effective implementation of the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Papers. It is clear that this requires a long-term commitment, with decisions consistently re-evaluated as progress is made. It further requires a cohesive, effective and … Read more
Government Response
The government has adopted an approach to drive the IR's objectives within the existing core business of all relevant Departments, agencies and bodies and is upgrading its culture and capabilities to improve decision-making, performance and impact.
Ministry of Defence
View details
17 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
If Afghanistan was intended to be an example of effective policy integration in action then...
If Afghanistan was intended to be an example of effective policy integration in action then it leaves a lot to be desired. It is even more worrying given that the NSC apparently gave the political direction required to bring together … Read more
Government Response
The government states that UK policy on Afghanistan has been made across Government, co-ordinated by the Cabinet Office, working to Cabinet Ministers in the relevant Cabinet Sub-Committee.
Ministry of Defence
View details
18 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The Government should publish the actions agreed by each of the Departments as a result...
The Government should publish the actions agreed by each of the Departments as a result of the lessons learned exercises which examined the response to the Afghanistan crisis, together with a time frame for implementation.
Government Response
The government states that it already outlined the lessons learned and exercises undertaken following the withdrawal from Afghanistan in its Official Response to the Foreign Affairs Committee’s report, published 29 July 2022, and the MOD publicly outlined its position to the Defence Committee.
Ministry of Defence
View details
19 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
We welcome the uplift to the MOD’s budget in 2020 and the four-year budget commitment.
We welcome the uplift to the MOD’s budget in 2020 and the four-year budget commitment. However, inflationary pressures and an increase in the scale of threat means that it is no longer enough. At the same time, serious concerns persist … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the conclusion and states that further details regarding spending plans will be announced in the Autumn Statement on 17 November, declining to provide these in advance.
Ministry of Defence
View details
20 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
There are significant challenges to integration but none that concerns us as much as the...
There are significant challenges to integration but none that concerns us as much as the MOD’s procurement difficulties. For instance, the MOD has made it clear that in order to achieve integration and utilise new technologies, it needs an effective … Read more
Government Response
The government does not accept that the Department’s track record of delivering large and complex programmes is abysmal and outlined examples of success and improvements made to MOD processes and acquisition.
Ministry of Defence
View details
21 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
The lack of a definition of what it means to be integrated makes it somewhat...
The lack of a definition of what it means to be integrated makes it somewhat difficult to measure the success of the Government in achieving its objectives. However, we will continue to evaluate the implementation of the Integrated Review, the … Read more
Government Response
The government provides its definition of integration, both broadly through interoperability and cooperation, and specifically through Multi-Domain Integration via modernization of communications and information systems.
Ministry of Defence
View details
22 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
We welcome the Government’s commitment to the publication of an annual review on the implementation...
We welcome the Government’s commitment to the publication of an annual review on the implementation of the Integrated Review. However, given that the implementation is the key, consistent evaluation of the implementation of the strategies throughout this Parliament is vital. … Read more
Government Response
The government recognises the important role the Defence Select Committee and other Parliamentary Committees play in holding Government to account, and the NSA committed to sharing an update with the JCNSS on progress against the IR.
Ministry of Defence
View details
23 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - The Integrated Rev…
As well as an annual report on the implementation of the IR, we recommend the...
As well as an annual report on the implementation of the IR, we recommend the MOD produce an annual evaluation of what has been achieved in their implementation of Defence in a Competitive Age and DSIS. This evaluation should include … Read more
Government Response
The government welcomes the conclusion and will explore ways to engage with Parliament following the publication of the update to the IR, building on their commitment to publicise the findings of its annual report on the IR.
Ministry of Defence
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 23 of 7 classified
Accepted 5
Accepted in Part 1
Acknowledged 14
Deferred 1
Rejected 2
Total 7 recs + 16 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
18 Jan 2022 Letter dated 11th January responding to Chair regarding the Integrated Review, Defence Command Paper and the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy
Parliament page