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Defence Command Paper Refresh
18 July 2023
Lead MP
Ben Wallace
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
UkraineDefenceEconomyEmploymentScience & TechnologyParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 27
At a Glance
Ben Wallace raised concerns about defence command paper refresh in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
UkraineDefenceEconomyEmploymentScience & TechnologyParliamentary Procedure
Government Statement
The Minister of Defence, Ben Wallace, made a statement on the refreshed Defence Command Paper, emphasising that since its initial publication in March 2021, significant changes have necessitated an update. He highlighted Russia as the greatest immediate threat to European security and China's increasing assertiveness globally. The statement acknowledged the lessons learned from Ukraine's conflict regarding modern warfare techniques and underlined the importance of a proactive posture for the Ministry of Defence.
Wallace also announced increased defence spending, with over £50 billion being spent next year for the first time in history—a real-terms increase of more than 10% since his appointment. He committed to reaching 2.5% of GDP on defence spending over the longer term. The minister emphasised four key priorities: investing in personnel, strengthening scientific and technological bases, fostering a closer relationship with industry partners, and enhancing productivity and campaigning capabilities.
He detailed specific measures such as reviewing workforce incentivisation, improving service accommodation by injecting an additional £400 million, and increasing investment in advanced research and development. Additionally, he announced the establishment of integrated campaign teams and a defence global response force to better respond globally to safeguard national interests and those of allies.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Leicester South
Question
The MP questioned whether the proposed budget would be sufficient given recent increases to the National Insurance rate. She asked if there were any plans for further cuts in public spending.
Minister reply
The Minister responded that while the budget is substantial, it was important to balance defence needs with overall fiscal responsibility. He reassured that the current approach prioritises sustainable investment without additional cuts to other public services.
Stephen Kinnock
Lab
Aberavon
Question
The MP inquired about the impact of increased defence spending on domestic infrastructure projects and economic development.
Minister reply
The Minister stated that while increased defence spending is crucial, the government also prioritises infrastructure investment to boost economic growth. He emphasised a balanced approach to ensure both national security and economic stability.
Julian Knight
Con
Solihull
Question
The MP asked about the timeline for implementing new defence technologies and how they would impact current operations.
Minister reply
The Minister explained that rapid implementation is a priority, with maximum delivery periods set at five years for hardware and three years for digital programmes. He emphasised the importance of innovation and flexibility in modern warfare.
Mark Francois
Con
Rayleigh and Wickford
Question
Expressed admiration for Ben Wallace's service and highlighted procurement challenges. Acknowledged improvements but urged reform to continue beyond his tenure, emphasising the importance of supporting serving personnel and veterans.
Minister reply
Acknowledged progress in reducing delays and cost overruns since 2009-10, highlighting improvements in Ajax project delivery, and stressing the need for continuity in senior responsible owners' roles to ensure better value for money.
Question
Welcomed positive points from Wallace's statement but raised concerns about inflation-driven spending increases, procurement inefficiencies costing £2 billion annually, recruitment and retention issues highlighted by the Haythornthwaite review, and cyber capability shortcomings.
Minister reply
Acknowledged recruitment challenges across Europe due to skills shortages, emphasising rapid adaptation and tackling these issues. On procurement, Wallace stated that if we invest in people and ensure continuity of senior responsible owners with incentives linked to success, better value for money can be achieved.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Expressed admiration for Ben Wallace's service and raised the issue of defence expenditure not reaching 3% of GDP as recommended by successive Defence Committees. Asked how the refresh allows for quick expansion if extra funding becomes available.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of defence funding and highlighted potential strategies such as developing a single armed forces Act to facilitate rapid mobilisation, investing in rapid procurement, and ensuring sustainability through enablers like digital command and control systems.
Question
Critiqued Ben Wallace's statement as thin and full of clichés, citing an example where it took until this month to sign a contract for artillery shells due to supply chain issues.
Minister reply
Responded that sometimes the supply chain needs reinvigoration; he ensured UK-based production for NLAW optics and signed a long-term £500m contract for 155mm shell production. He noted stockpiles started depleting around 1997.
Question
Expressed appreciation for Ben Wallace's contributions, inquired about the global response force and how it will enable rapid and nimble responses to crises.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of digital command and control systems and enablers for moving forces around efficiently. The provisional layout includes a light brigade and 16 Air Assault Brigade supported by a logistical support brigade, enabling NATO commitments and flexibility.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Question
As defence spokesperson, Gavin Robinson thanked Ben Wallace for his service to the armed forces and reinvigorating shipbuilding in Belfast. He acknowledged the positive contributions of Thales and NLAW and asked whether the Command Paper will ensure a lasting legacy.
Minister reply
Ben Wallace responded that the Command Paper focuses on investing in key areas such as restocking, with plans to spend £2 billion each year for two years to build up stockpiles. This investment benefits companies like Thales and NLAW in Belfast and supports the industrial base across various locations.
Question
John Baron commended Ben Wallace's service as Secretary of State and expressed concern about hollowing out within the Army, asking for assurances that cuts to the Army will stop and scope exists to build on numbers.
Minister reply
Ben Wallace emphasised the importance of properly equipping and enabling troops rather than focusing solely on size. He highlighted the use of drones and artillery in Ukraine as examples of how fewer people can cover more area, stressing the need for proper protection and equipment.
Question
Kevan Jones thanked Ben Wallace for his service and noted that the 16% cut to the defence budget from 2010 to 2019 was a problem. He questioned how the Command Paper can commit to both homeland defence and NATO commitments without increasing the defence budget.
Minister reply
Ben Wallace acknowledged the previous cuts but emphasised the importance of integrating global response forces with NATO responsibilities, stating that forces dedicated to NATO can be used elsewhere if not called upon by Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
Question
Bob Seely thanked Ben Wallace for his leadership and asked whether Levene is still fit for purpose given the shift towards greater integration of military tools.
Minister reply
Ben Wallace agreed that parts of Levene are outdated and suggested reviewing joint force design at the centre to improve accountability, with a commitment in the Command Paper to start this review.
Derek Twigg
Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Question
Derek Twigg thanked Ben Wallace for his work supporting Ukraine but criticised the 10,000 cut in the Army. He questioned when efforts to deliver an Integrated Air and Missile Defence approach would start.
Minister reply
Ben Wallace stated that the UK has already started working on integrated air defence within NATO and investing in medium-range air defence capabilities and exporting GBAD systems to Poland.
Question
Jack Lopresti thanked Ben Wallace for his service and leadership, asking whether the Command Paper addresses barriers hindering effective collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence manufacturers.
Minister reply
Ben Wallace noted the procurement speed in supporting Ukraine through Kindred operation and suggested lessons learned could be applied to main procurement processes.
Barry Sheerman
Ind
Huddersfield
Question
Acknowledges the Secretary of State's service as Defence Secretary and criticises the Government for allowing a respected figure like him to leave his position during critical times, questioning the Prime Minister’s decision-making.
Minister reply
Grateful for kind comments; explains that defence is a core government responsibility often overlooked in elections. Affirms belief in his team's capability to continue strong leadership.
Flick Drummond
Con
Welwyn Hatfield
Question
Pays tribute to the Secretary of State for stepping down and supports accommodation as a priority issue, citing Rick Haythornthwaite’s report recommendations.
Minister reply
Confirms accommodation is an absolute priority with additional £400 million investment; highlights efforts to nationalise companies providing substandard services.
Stephen Farry
Alliance
East Antrim
Question
Acknowledges the Secretary of State’s leadership on Ukraine and asks how MOD can work with other departments and international partners for early intervention and prevention of conflicts.
Minister reply
Explains the importance of resilience building, early security assistance, complementing aid and counter-radicalisation efforts; mentions the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.
Jason McCartney
Con
Colne Valley
Question
Acknowledges regular visits to David Brown Santasalo Gears in his constituency which supplies for defence equipment, emphasising the importance of resilient regional supply chains.
Minister reply
Agrees; highlights investment in machinery and skills training for companies along with regional distribution of aerospace industry across the UK.
Jeremy Corbyn
Ind
Islington North
Question
Asks about Secretary of State’s vision for peace and rapprochement, questioning increasing military expenditure and potential conflicts.
Minister reply
Responds that investment in deterrence is necessary to avoid war; emphasises the need for both soft and hard power strategies.
Anthony Mangnall
Con
Tendring
Question
Pays tribute to the Secretary of State’s four years as Defence Secretary, welcomes campaign refresh, and asks about recognition for service personnel away from frontline duties.
Minister reply
Explains creation of wider campaign medal to recognise contributions to enduring campaigns such as continuous at-sea deterrent.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Question
Acknowledges threats faced by the UK, questions if there are enough personnel for current security needs.
Minister reply
Agrees with hon. Gentleman that threat requires response; affirms current force size as adequate but open to change based on future threats.
James Sunderland
Con
Question
I thank my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary for his statement and for his fantastic service over many years. Given the current tempo of commitments faced by HM forces worldwide, I am clear, as a former capability planner, that quantity has a quality of its own. It is also incumbent upon the MOD to fulfil all the expectations placed upon it, both by our NATO allies and our own defence tasks. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that, post refresh, the MOD remains committed to a fully deployable, scalable and sustainable armoured division at readiness?
Minister reply
Yes, we are committed to that, but we have also been honest about the time needed to get to being able to do that.
Tonia Antoniazzi
Lab
Gower
Question
Our forces families are made to live in damp, mouldy service accommodation, with broken boilers. In his statement, the Secretary of State spoke about rent freezes, but well over 4,300 troops already do not pay rent because their accommodation is so bad. He said that there would be no unfunded gimmicks, so is the £400 million in two years for service accommodation new money or is it from existing budgets and commitments?
Minister reply
Having listened to the hon. Lady, for example, we have taken money that was allocated elsewhere and decided that making sure those houses are in a better state is more of a priority. We have housing stock that goes back many years and is a challenge. One of the challenges I have is that I unfortunately have to pay almost £20,000 a house to a private finance initiative that Gordon Brown signed us up to, even when those houses are empty.
Scott Benton
Con
Question
I commend the leadership of the Secretary of State over the last four years, not just in our response to the war in Ukraine, but in securing a record financial settlement from the Treasury. I welcome the new employment model and skills framework. Will he outline how that will further facilitate collaboration with employers, such as BAE Systems on the Fylde coast, and offer new opportunities for recruitment and retention?
Minister reply
The Ministry of Defence recognises, as does the defence industry, that skills are important. About two weeks ago, I spent a great afternoon at the National Cyber Force, up at Samlesbury, with further education colleges from around Lancashire, including Blackburn and Bolton, and Greater Manchester, which came to bring young people amazing opportunities. We recognise that if we invest young, we will get the skills we need. It is absolutely the case that without the skills, defence will be starved of the oxygen we need to do our jobs.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
I, too, wish the Secretary of State well and thank him for all that he has done. While I welcome the £2.5 billion additional investment in stockpiles and the improvements to readiness, he will know that unless we have highly trained service personnel in place to use them, then they are useless.
The refresh document says:
“People: our most important asset.”
In relation to people, the UK now has the lowest number of soldiers since the Napoleonic wars, which I think is quite dramatic. Will the Secretary of State strategise to increase our strength in numbers, to recruit young and capable people who want to defend this great nation, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland? On the plane, I sat next to a guy from Belfast who is 20 years old. He has signed up to the Army for 25 years. He wants a future—can we give him that?
Minister reply
That young man will have an excellent future in the armed forces, for as long as he wishes to stay. The Army is still recruiting; we have not all stopped everything. It is important to remember that we need to embrace our reserves. We have talked about that for a long time, but we have not done it. A single armed forces Act would help us do that. The Army will be over 100,000 people, of whom 73,000 will be regulars, but I believe the reforms in today’s refresh will make sure we are scalable should we wish to increase it. Whatever we do and whatever parties in this House come with pledges in the next election, we must ask ourselves whether it is just about funding people or will we be funding their equipment, vehicles, houses and barracks to go along with them. We cannot just have people without any of that, or we condemn them to a pretty miserable time, unprotected on the battlefield.
Margaret Ferrier
Ind
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. He has been an outstanding Defence Secretary and I wish him all the best for the future.
I am aware that, under the new defence Command Paper, soldiers should soon be able easily to transfer between each of the three services as well as into the civil service. What steps are Ministers taking to ensure that the civil service is a more attractive option than the private sector for talented personnel?
Minister reply
The military could definitely take a leaf out of the civil service’s book. I look at how senior civil servants can flex, do step-ups and step-downs, take breaks or sabbaticals, and I think, “Why can’t we do that for our military?” Why can people, if their life circumstances change, not step up or step down? That is what we are trying to do with these changes in the Haythornthwaite regime. If we do that, we will match the demands of generation Z. The younger generation want more and more different things. It is not just whether they work in defence, but whether they work in the civil service or in the private sector. All employers face the challenge of how they will do that and keep people longer, so that they get investment both ways—into their businesses or whatever.
Shadow Comment
Mark Francois
Shadow Comment
The Shadow Minister, Mark Francois, acknowledged Ben Wallace's tenure as Defence Secretary and the importance of reforming defence procurement. He praised the minister for accepting some recommendations from recent Select Committee reports within 48 hours after their publication and urged him to impress upon his successor the need for continuous reform in industry, armed forces, and overall security and defence.
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