UK Defence and the Indo-Pacific

Defence Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 31 Jan 2022 Closed: 24 Jan 2024 Parliament page
This inquiry will examine the UK’s tilt to the Indo-Pacific region, as set out in the Integrated Review. The region is widely recognised as being of growing importance. The inquiry will assess UK Defence’s standing in the region. The inquiry will also look at the UK’s potential routes to strengthening … Read more
11 Recommendations
2 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
3 Events
Activity timeline 8 events
11 Jan
2024
Report published
24 Oct
2023
Report published
17 Jan
2023
Oral evidence
17 Jan
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
6 Sep
2022
Oral evidence
6 Sep
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
7 Jun
2022
Oral evidence
7 Jun
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
17 Jan 2023
View on parliament.uk
Brigadier (ret.) Ben Barry · International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) John Hemmings · Pacific Forum Seth Jones · Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Veerle Nouwens · Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
6 Sep 2022
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1; Panel 2
Dr Marcus Hellyer · Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Dr Rob Yates · University of Bristol Mr Ben Bland · Chatham House (Asia-Pacific Programme) Professor Rory Medcalf · The Australian National University
7 Jun 2022
View on parliament.uk
Panel 1; Panel 2
Meia Nouwens · International Institute for Strategic Studies Professor Alessio Patalano · Kings College London, Department of War Studies Professor Steve Tsang · SOAS China Institute
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Eleventh Report - UK Defence and the Indo-Pacific HC 183 24 Oct 2023 13 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
3 results
Clear
3 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Eleventh Report - UK Defence and t…
Consolidate closer Indo-Pacific military cooperation and basing efforts into one strategy
The UK’s regional military presence in the Indo-Pacific remains limited and the strategy to which it contributes is unclear. This contrasts to both the US—a global and Pacific power—and to France–a more comparable actor to the UK in terms of … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation to deepen cooperation with partners in the Indo-Pacific but rejects publishing a dedicated cross-government strategy, referencing existing strategic documents. It describes ongoing cooperation and existing military presence without committing to increasing or rebalancing resources as requested.
Ministry of Defence
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4 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Eleventh Report - UK Defence and t…
Set out detailed plan for SSN-AUKUS submarines on cost, skills, and production
We welcome the announcement of the SSN-AUKUS class submarine, including the increased port visits and the Rotational Force, in maintaining a coherent regional presence. The UK must, however, be realistic and cognisant of the significant hurdles for all AUKUS partners … Read more
Government Response
The government partially rejects the request for a detailed plan on AUKUS submarine costs and numbers, stating these decisions will be made in due course. However, it accepts the recommendation on skills, announcing a Nuclear Skills Taskforce to address workforce development for AUKUS.
Ministry of Defence
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5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Eleventh Report - UK Defence and t…
Expand AUKUS Pillar 2 for supply chain security; consider involving other nations
AUKUS offers a tangible opportunity to respond to growing tensions in the Indo- Pacific. Through Pillar 1 AUKUS, the UK can tackle shared challenges together with our allies, with the goal of upholding the rules-based order. Moreover, Pillar 2 offers … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating it already monitors supply chains and supports the Critical Minerals Strategy. It commits to engaging with allies on Pillar II as it matures but defers expansion to additional partners as they are not yet in a position to consider it.
Ministry of Defence
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Government Response AI assessment · 13 of 11 classified
Accepted 7
Accepted in Part 3
Rejected 3
Total 11 recs + 2 conclusions