Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defence’s contribution to the UK’s pandemic response
Select Committee
Defence Committee
HC 357
25 March 2021
Government Response (AI assessment · 7 of 7 classified)
Accepted
5
Government response
Manpower or mindset: Defence’s contribution to the UK’s pandemic response: Government Response to the Committee’s Sixth Report of Session 2019–21 · published 9 Jul 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
5 results
2
Recommendation
Accepted
Civilian agencies will inevitably require assistance in a crisis of this scale and there should...
Recommendation
Civilian agencies will inevitably require assistance in a crisis of this scale and there should be no stigma in seeking help from the Armed Forces. However, it is clear that preparations for a non-man-made threat such as an infectious disease …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that existing processes like Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA) identify non-Defence solutions and that liaison officers facilitate cross-Government communication to manage requests for assistance.
Ministry of Defence
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4
Recommendation
Accepted
Para 36
We believe earlier use could have been made of Defence’s unique capabilities and skills, notably...
Recommendation
We believe earlier use could have been made of Defence’s unique capabilities and skills, notably in the areas of strategic planning and crisis management. We are surprised that lessons from earlier crises were not learnt and that as a result …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation and states it continues to work closely with various government bodies to ensure Defence's unique capabilities are understood and effectively utilised.
Ministry of Defence
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5
Recommendation
Accepted
As the UK emerges from the pandemic, and in light of the UN Secretary General’s...
Recommendation
As the UK emerges from the pandemic, and in light of the UN Secretary General’s words that “in an interconnected world, none of us is safe until all of us are safe”, the Armed Forces may also have an important …
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Government Response Summary
The government states that Defence has already been extensively supporting vaccine distribution and administration in the UK and Overseas Territories, and will work with FCDO on logistical support for other countries if surplus supplies become available.
Ministry of Defence
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6
Recommendation
Accepted
We encourage the Department to publish the outcome of its Lessons Summit to enable the...
Recommendation
We encourage the Department to publish the outcome of its Lessons Summit to enable the learning from this experience to be promulgated as widely as possible. Defence must ensure that it evaluates its own response to the pandemic, while contributing …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it is committed to evaluating its pandemic response, has begun a formal lessons identification process, and will work with cross-government partners and support future reviews, aligning with ongoing efforts.
Ministry of Defence
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7
Recommendation
Accepted
In addition to delaying the publication of the Integrated Review, it seems inevitable that the...
Recommendation
In addition to delaying the publication of the Integrated Review, it seems inevitable that the pandemic must also influence its conclusions. Coronavirus has highlighted serious deficiencies in the UK’s domestic resilience in the face of an anticipated threat. We have …
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Government Response Summary
The government states the Integrated Review has considered the pandemic's impact and commits to improving Defence's capabilities and contingency planning for future crises through regular exercises and additional work on Reserve Forces.
Ministry of Defence
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