27 Accepted

The Government should seek to identify those organisations which could benefit from membership of the...

Recommendation
The Government should seek to identify those organisations which could benefit from membership of the Authorised User Community—especially SMEs—and proactively promote it to them, offering guidance and support where required. The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth should play a key role in this effort. The MOD must also work closely with the Department for Business and Trade to monitor applications and ensure that early delays to the granting of approvals are not repeated. (Recommendation, Paragraph 121) Pillar 2 delivery
Government Response Summary
The government has actively supported industry, including SMEs, in joining the Authorised User Community, with 404 entities registered and 18 outreach events conducted by the International Export Controls team. The MOD also works with the Department for Business and Trade to monitor license applications, which are now processed within standard timelines.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The reforms to trilateral export controls secured in 2024 were a historic breakthrough in enabling the AUKUS partners to work more closely together to develop next-generation technologies and the UK is committed to making the most of this opportunity. The Government has been actively supporting industry partners to join the Authorised User Community, with 404 entities currently registered. The International Export Controls (IEC) team has been actively engaging with the SME community, primarily through the UK Defence Exports (UKDE) SME conferences. Since November the IEC team has conducted 18 events (e.g. conferences and webinars) specifically directed towards SMEs. Additionally, the team regularly engages with SMEs to address specific issues through 1–2–1 guidance and advise sessions. The Ministry of Defence Export Control Joint Unit is part of the Department for Business and Trade’s Export Controls Joint Unit, which continually monitors and prioritises export license applications as required. Industry partners have recently successfully applied for a number of licenses that have been processed well within standard timelines. Pillar II – Delivery
Source
Committee Defence Committee
Inquiry AUKUS
Report 8th Report - AUKUS 28 Apr 2026 HC 841
View on Parliament website
Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Defence
Timeline
Recommendation age 0.3 yrs
Report published 28 Apr 2026