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Integrated Review

16 March 2021

Lead MP

Boris Johnson

Debate Type

Ministerial Statement

At a Glance

Boris Johnson raised concerns about integrated review 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

Boris Johnson

DefenceEconomyTaxationClimateBrexitForeign AffairsScience & TechnologyBusiness & Trade

Government Statement

The Prime Minister announced the publication of a comprehensive review aimed at strengthening the UK's security, defence, development, and foreign policy to ensure a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for Britain. Emphasising the necessity of Global Britain due to the country's reliance on international trade and its global population, Boris Johnson highlighted commitments such as bolstering alliances, enhancing capabilities, fostering innovation, and addressing climate change through COP26 in Glasgow. He also mentioned hosting the G7 summit and inviting leaders from key regions, strengthening NATO commitment, and expanding UK influence in the Indo-Pacific region by applying for ASEAN dialogue partner status and seeking entry into the trans-Pacific free trade agreement. Additionally, he announced initiatives like a counter-terrorism operations centre and relocation of the National Cyber Force to improve national security.

Tania Mathias Con

Brentford and Isleworth

Question

In light of the need to bolster defence and security, does my right hon. Friend agree that it is essential for the UK to invest in research and development, particularly in cyber technology, to maintain its strategic advantage?

Minister reply

The Prime Minister agreed with Tania Mathias on the importance of investing in R&D, especially in cyber technology. He highlighted the creation of a new counter-terrorism operations centre and the relocation of the National Cyber Force to the north-west of England as steps towards enhancing national security through technological advancements.

Kerry McCarthy Lab

Bristol East

Question

Given the significant cuts to the Ministry of Defence’s budget, how can the Government ensure that Britain's armed forces remain capable and adequately funded?

Minister reply

The Minister emphasised that despite challenges, the Government remains committed to supporting the armed forces. He highlighted new investments in cyber capabilities and a counter-terrorism operations centre as part of the broader strategy outlined in the integrated review.

Alistair Carmichael LD

Orkney and Shetland

Question

How will the Government ensure that Britain's influence in the Indo-Pacific region is maintained, particularly considering ongoing tensions with China?

Minister reply

The Minister assured Alistair Carmichael of the UK’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted applications for ASEAN dialogue partner status and intentions to join the trans-Pacific free trade agreement as steps towards this goal.

Keir Starmer Lab

Holborn and St Pancras

Question

We want the integrated review to work. Threats to our national security are increasing; they are becoming more complex and less predictable. The Government must get this review right, but it is built on foundations that have been weakened over the past decade... (Full text provided).

Minister reply

First, we have one of the toughest arms export regimes in the world under the consolidated guidance. Anybody listening to the right hon. and learned Gentleman would not realise that we are the second biggest international donor of aid in the G7... (Full text provided).

Peter Bottomley

Question

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has pointed out that the present Labour leadership is more on the side of Ernest Bevin, who was against fascism and against the left wing both at home and abroad, and that is a sign of some kind of unity... (Full text provided).

Minister reply

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his points. People listening to this debate might not grasp that this country is actually the biggest European donor to Yemen; we have given £1 billion over the past six years and £87 million this year... (Full text provided).

Ian Blackford

Question

I thank the Prime Minister for advance copy of his statement, and I thank my Scottish National party colleagues, led by my hon. Friends the Members for Glasgow South (Stewart Malcolm McDonald) and for Stirling (Alyn Smith), who compiled on behalf of the SNP a substantial and constructive submission to the consultation on the review... (Full text provided).

Minister reply

This Government continue to invest massively in projects that will bring benefit to the whole of the UK, including Scotland. I can tell the right hon. Gentleman that there will be further investments in Lossiemouth, and that there is no threat to the Black Watch... (Full text provided).

Tobias Ellwood Con

Bournemouth East

Question

I very much welcome the comprehensive ambitions set out in this important integrated review paper. There is a 1930s feel to the scale of challenges that we face today, with rising authoritarian powers, weak global institutions, and an absence of western leadership and collective resolve.

Minister reply

The Prime Minister stated there must be a balance in the UK's relationship with China, acknowledging the economic importance while also taking tough measures. He emphasised protecting critical national infrastructure and intellectual property, calling out China on human rights issues like Xinjiang and providing refuge to Hong Kong residents fearing persecution.

Meg Hillier Lab Co-op

Hackney South and Shoreditch

Question

We have heard a lot of words like “ambition” and “innovation”, so let me bring the Prime Minister back down to earth. The aircraft carrier strike group has not enough aircraft or support ships, rotting nuclear submarines without decommissioning, and living accommodation that is woefully inadequate.

Minister reply

The Government have made a massive investment of £24 billion in defence since the cold war. This addresses chronic problems from previous Governments by modernising forces with AI, future combat air system, and cyber.

Julian Lewis Con

New Forest East

Question

As the Prime Minister mentioned the National Security and Investment Bill, I hope he can help remove obstacles for the Intelligence and Security Committee to scrutinise the work of the Investment Security Unit.

Minister reply

The Government are taking tough measures against China, protecting national infrastructure and intellectual property through the National Security and Investment Bill. Companies profiting from trade in forced labour will not be allowed in this country.

Sarah Champion Lab

Rotherham

Question

Development is barely mentioned in the integrated review; full tummies, economic opportunity, and stable Governments create a safer world. Cuts to aid budgets are causing concern.

Minister reply

The Prime Minister stated that development remains critical for UK foreign policy, with £10 billion spent this year on aid. He said spending more on overseas aid while also supporting the NHS and local councils is unsustainable.

Thomas Tugendhat Con

Tonbridge

Question

The integrated review welcomes, but strategies like artificial intelligence and financial threats need to be addressed. Platforms and presence in the east must be real, not digital.

Minister reply

£24 billion is invested since the cold war. The UK will continue to project force 8,000 miles with carrier strike force and make necessary investments now that previous Governments failed to grasp.

Layla Moran Lib Dem

Oxford West and Abingdon

Question

Reneging on the commitment to retain 0.7% of GNI for development spending is a short-sighted mistake, and the Prime Minister’s promise it will be temporary is not good enough.

Minister reply

The Government will return to the 0.7% when fiscal circumstances allow, but in spite of difficulties, £10 billion is spent this year on supporting the poorest and neediest around the world.

Andrew Mitchell Con

Sutton Coldfield

Question

There is much to be welcomed in my right hon. Friend’s statement today, but I am concerned that our position as chair of the G7 is undermined by Britain being the only country cutting its development budget.

Minister reply

The UK remains the second-biggest contributor of aid in the G7 and £10 billion has been contributed this year to support the poorest and neediest. When fiscal circumstances allow, we will return to the 0.7% commitment.

Caroline Lucas Green

Brighton, Pavilion

Question

Given that the Prime Minister said the climate crisis is his No. 1 international priority, it is disappointing that there is a climate-shaped hole at the heart of the Prime Minister’s review, with resources dangerously diverted to nuclear weapons. The logical consequence of that position is surely that every country should be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons on the same insurance policy grounds. If such nuclear proliferation happens, how could we possibly have any moral authority to speak out against it? How would the world be affected?

Minister reply

It is entertaining to see the shadow Foreign Secretary nodding along to the hon. Lady’s denunciation of nuclear weapons after what we heard from the Labour leader—quite extraordinary. I really do not think the hon. Lady can have been reading the integrated review at all, because it sets out very clearly that we will be investing £11.6 billion internationally on tackling climate change.

Liam Fox Con

Wealden

Question

How does my right hon. Friend assess the threat from Iran to the Gulf region and the UK’s strategic interests? What opportunities are there for increased peace and prosperity as a result of the signing of the Abraham accords between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain?

Minister reply

I thank my right hon. Friend, who knows whereof he speaks and has done much to advance the cause of peace in the middle east. It was an unexpected breakthrough for many in the foreign policy establishment to see the Abraham accords, and I think a significant and positive step forward.

Hywel Williams PC

Arfon

Question

This integrated review looks like a desperate, confused and self-important search for purpose, far, far removed from the concerns of the people of Wales. With Welsh trade with our most important trading partner, the EU, collapsing as a result of Brexit, is it not increasingly clear that the best interests of my country would be served by pursuing its own course in the world?

Minister reply

I remind the hon. Gentleman that the people of Wales voted to leave the EU. I think they did the right thing, for all sorts of reasons.

Jeremy Hunt Con

Godalming and Ash

Question

Will the Prime Minister keep the designation of China simply as a systemic challenge under review given the terrible events in Hong Kong and Xinjiang? Does he agree that because the 0.7% cut is strictly temporary, relating to the pandemic, there is no need to amend legislation? Finally, should we not build up Britain’s might to stand squarely behind individual British citizens in peril?

Minister reply

Yes indeed, my right hon. Friend is right in what he says about the ODA commitment and right in what he says about China.

Jim Shannon DUP

Strangford

Question

Will the Prime Minister outline the strategy to bring back into line recruitment of foot soldiers post covid, as well as recruitment of cyber-soldiers? Will he consider basing security in Northern Ireland as an integral part of the United Kingdom?

Minister reply

The first point to make about the armed forces is that there will be no redundancies under this plan. There will be massive investment in our land forces and particularly in cyber-forces.

Jack Lopresti Con

Filton and Bradley Stoke

Question

Does the Prime Minister think that increasing our sovereign defence manufacturing capability will assist us strategically in projecting power and sustaining operations across the globe?

Minister reply

Yes, and one of the things that our defence investments can do is help to entrench our Union and build jobs and growth across the whole of the United Kingdom.

Diana R. Johnson Lab

Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

Question

Will the Prime Minister explain how building national resilience will include the digital transformation of the security and intelligence agencies, where the resources will come from, and whether it will include industry and international partners?

Minister reply

As I just said to the hon. Member for Strangford (Jim Shannon), we are investing massively in cyber and in upgrading the cyber-skills of our troops.

Robert Halfon Con

Southend West

Question

Can my right hon. Friend’s vision, set out today, be aligned with smaller nations around the world such as Kurdistan, in northern Iraq, and Israel? Can Great Britain lead a new alliance of democracies around the world?

Minister reply

Yes. Our commitment to Israeli security is unwavering, and we continue to work closely with our partners in the Kurdish region of Iraq.

Nick Smith Lab

Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

Question

Will the Prime Minister level with the country and tell us exactly how he plans to reduce the armed forces by 10,000 in the years ahead?

Minister reply

I have already explained that this is the biggest investment in our armed forces since the cold war, and there will be no redundancies across the armed forces.

Jane Stevenson Con

Wealden

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is vital to invest in new technologies such as cyber so that our fantastic armed forces personnel are fully equipped to face 21st-century challenges?

Minister reply

Yes, indeed, and that is why we are investing in cyber and in shipbuilding.

Peter Kyle Lab

Hove and Portslade

Question

Does the Prime Minister accept that withdrawing aid will drive a new wave of international migration?

Minister reply

The hon. Gentleman is not right; in fact, I think he is talking total nonsense. The most effective thing we can do to ensure that we protect ourselves against illegal migration is to do what we have done.

David Evennett Con

Bexleyheath and Crayford

Question

Does my right hon. Friend agree that global Britain needs to maximise and co-ordinate its opportunities to promote and protect British industry and interests across the world, including those of our overseas territories?

Minister reply

I thank my right hon. Friend. He is quite right because this integrated review supports our overseas territories and our Crown dependencies.

Martyn Day SNP

Linlithgow and East Falkirk

Question

Today we heard the PM speak about a premium based on speed. However, Scotland’s waters make up over 60% of UK waters, while the Royal Navy’s most northern surface warship base is on the UK’s southern coast. Can he confirm that this review means that, despite regular territorial incursions from Russia’s navy and air force, Scotland still hosts no major surface warships—a fact that means that scrambling the fleet ready escort to Scottish waters takes 24 hours? How on earth is that a premium based on speed?

Minister reply

I am interested to hear the hon. Gentleman's emphatic desire, as a Scottish nationalist—a member of the SNP—for a UK defence role. I think he is absolutely right. But I can tell him that the salient point is that all our nuclear deterrent—all our submarines, I should say—are based on the Clyde.

Crispin Blunt Con

Reigate

Question

I strongly welcome the much greater coherence that this review will deliver to our national security strategy, both for our nation’s immediate defence and so that all its elements are working together towards an open international order and being a force for good in the world, supporting open societies, human rights and good governance. As part of this, can I continue to assume that we will honour our commitment to be the country that leads the world in helping hundreds of millions of LGBT people to have the freedom to be themselves, with all the benefits that come from that for the prosperity of those states and the wealth of the spirit of the individuals involved?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend is totally right. This is one of the areas that I know that every embassy and consulate in the Foreign Office campaigns on. I believe that we make a huge difference around the world. There are countries that have changed their policies on marriage and their approach to LGBT issues in response to British lobbying. The latest Magnitsky sanctions that we have implemented are in respect of Chechnya for its policy on LGBT issues. We will continue to campaign and evangelise for our values and beliefs around the world.

Christine Jardine Lib Dem

Edinburgh West

Question

I draw the House’s attention to the fact that I am a member of the board of governors of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. In that capacity, I am aware of the importance of the work that it and other organisations do in protecting open, democratic societies across the globe. Not being a Scottish nationalist, I am also aware how important that is to the UK’s own national interest. Can the Prime Minister assure us that that work will continue despite the difficulties we face following the current financial year?

Minister reply

Yes, I can. I have seen the excellent work that the Westminster Foundation for Democracy does around the world. I have personally attended debates that it has championed in countries where democracy is precarious, and I thank the hon. Lady very much for what she is doing.

Jo Gideon Lab

Stoke-on-Trent Central

Question

Our international ambitions must start at home, and through the integrated review we will drive investment back into our communities. It is essential that we ensure that the UK is on the cutting edge of innovation and create an entire country that is match-fit for a more competitive world. In my constituency of Stoke-on-Trent Central, advanced ceramics from local firm Lucideon recently landed on Mars. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the sky is not the limit when it comes to innovation?

Minister reply

I am thrilled and amazed to hear that ceramics from my hon. Friend’s constituency have landed on Mars. That is not the limit of our ambitions, as she knows, because the National Space Council has recently approved all sorts of missions and ambitions for the UK. But the point of what we are doing is not just to push back the frontiers of science and knowledge across the universe, but to drive jobs and growth in her constituency and around the whole UK.

Darren Jones Lab

Bristol North West

Question

I declare my interest as set out in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. I welcome the recognition in the integrated review of threats to our democracy and the role that technology, disinformation and other forms of hybrid warfare play in those threats. On that basis, can the Prime Minister confirm that the online safety Bill that will be presented to the House this year will contain sufficient powers to tackle collective online harms, including threats to our democracy?

Minister reply

Yes, I can.

Marco Longhi Con

Dudley North

Question

The integrated review is clearly extremely welcome. Does my right hon. Friend agree that a vigorous approach to foreign policy that recognises the importance of the Indo-Pacific region is key? Does he also agree that a truly global Britain that forges strategic ties with future superpowers, such as Brazil, which partnered with us in the development of the Oxford vaccine, is also of crucial importance?

Minister reply

I know that I speak for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and, indeed, for my hon. Friend the Member for Dudley North himself when I say that we understand the importance of Brazil. I share his analysis about the future of Brazil. Together with the Canning of our times, the Foreign Secretary, we intend to build closer relationships not just with Brazil and the rest of the Mercosur countries, but with the Pacific Alliance countries too.

Margaret Ferrier Ind

Rutherglen and Hamilton West

Question

With hostile states, non-state actors, terror and crime groups all posing a threat to the UK and our allies, it is important to be prepared to adapt and develop our cyber-technology and capabilities. However, increasing our nuclear weapons arsenal is something I cannot condone. Both President Biden and Putin renewed their bilateral New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty on nuclear weapons reductions just last month, so why is the Prime Minister going against the flow by increasing our arsenal?

Minister reply

Of course we are committed to nuclear arms reduction. Indeed, we believe that China should be brought into strategic nuclear arms reduction, but one of the most important things about having a credible deterrent for friend and foe alike is setting out what we have, and that is what this integrated review does.

Katherine Fletcher Con

Manchester Withington

Question

I thank the PM for an important statement about the future security of our proud nation. Addressing both the challenges and opportunities the UK faces in a more competitive world is needed, especially when those who seek to harm us are using all the tools of modern technology at their disposal. Lancashire has a proud history of engineering technology solutions, so does the Prime Minister agree that in the future more investment in our technologies, such as cyber, will be key to our defence? Will he take account of Lancashire’s skills and ability to deliver?

Minister reply

I know that my hon. Friend was listening very carefully to the statement, and she will have spotted that there is a commitment to the north-west and to cyber in Lancashire. [Interruption.] I have heard your representations, Mr Speaker. You will have to wait for the Defence Secretary to explain exactly where it is going to be. To boost those skills and jobs for the long term and to make that transformation in defence technology that Lancashire is undoubtedly going to lead, we are investing £6.6 billion in defence research and development over the next four years.

Emma Lewell-Buck Lab

South Shields

Question

The review and the Prime Minister’s statement are typically big on words, but scant on detail or strategy. It was a mass of contradictions steeped in a lack of realism when it comes to affordability and scope, and there was zero acknowledgement of the harm that years of underinvestment in our nation’s defence have caused. Ultimately, the world will judge him and his Government on their actions, so can he explain how breaching article 6 of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty fits with his commitment to international law?

Minister reply

I never saw such a seething mass of contradictions as the Opposition Front Bench, because we only have to go a few yards from the Leader of the Opposition to the shadow Foreign Secretary to find a complete gulf in their view on the very matter that the hon. Lady raises. The Leader of the Opposition claims to be in favour of the nuclear deterrent, and the shadow Foreign Secretary voted against it. The most consistent thing that our friends and allies, as well as our foes around the world need to know is that the UK is committed to the defence of this country and to our nuclear defence.

Pauline Latham Con

Mid Derbyshire

Question

There is much to commend in this statement from the Prime Minister, but I am saddened to hear that we will be balancing the books on the backs of the poor. We are devastating the amount of money going to Yemen and Sudan, to mention just two countries where children, mothers and whole families are devastated by what they have to face. We are also aware that although funding is being decided, VSO currently does not know when that funding is coming. If it does not have funding by the end of this month, it will have to end its covid-19 response programme in 18 countries, leaving 4.5 million people without support. That decision cannot easily be reversed, so will the Prime Minister tell the House whether VSO will have some money to continue, and if not, when that funding decision will be taken?

Minister reply

I have much enjoyed working with my hon. Friend over the years, and I understand what she says about Yemen. I repeat: most people in this country will be reassured to know that the UK Government continue to be one of the biggest providers for the people of Yemen—the biggest in Europe. I strongly support VSO, which some of my family have done. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will be setting out the position shortly.

Dan Jarvis Lab

Barnsley North

Question

Despite 20 years of bloodshed, the integrated review makes only two glancing references to Afghanistan. Given that 150,000 people, including 457 British servicemen and women, have lost their lives in that conflict, will the Prime Minister say how the UK will help to establish a lasting peace in the region?

Minister reply

As I have repeatedly told President Ghani of Afghanistan, our commitment is for the long term. He knows the difficulties of the current situation, and the decisions that the US Government have to take. The UK is working hard to ensure that there is a viable process, and that we do not see a return to the kind of civil war that I am afraid has bedevilled Afghanistan. I believe that the legacy of this Government and this country in Afghanistan—and the commitment of British troops, as well as the loss of life to which the hon. Gentleman rightly draws attention—is a proud one. We must ensure that it is not betrayed, and that we leave a legacy in the education of women and the security of the people of Afghanistan that is lasting and that endures.

James Sunderland

Question

As a former soldier, may I reassure the Prime Minister that taking the review back to first principles, and assessing the future capability requirements against the threat, is absolutely the right thing to do? Will he reassure me that where restructuring is needed—notably perhaps in my own service—our people will be looked after?

Minister reply

We are determined to look after all the wonderful men and women of our armed services, not just by protecting them after they have served, and by protecting veterans who may be at risk of vexatious litigation; we also ensure that we look after people during their service. In particular, we must look after families, who often bear the brunt of commitments and sacrifices made by armed services members.

Mark Pritchard Con

The Wrekin

Question

May I welcome the Prime Minister’s putting diplomacy at the very heart of the integrated review? With new resources going into the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, do we not have an independent Britain which still needs to be at the heart of multilateral democracy, multilateral institutions and multilateral diplomacy around the world?

Minister reply

We continue to support all sustainable development goals and believe passionately in diplomacy. The UK flag is going up in embassies, legations and continents around the world.

Stuart McDonald

Question

Why slash budgets used to tackle corruption and promote good governance around the world? Why slash support for research that our universities do to help the poorest countries combat disease?

Minister reply

This country spends the most on the global vaccine alliance, £548 million on COVAX and £1.6 billion on Gavi. We lead in health protection, tackling conflict and poverty, and championing female education around the world.

Florence Eshalomi Lab Co-op

Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Question

Many constituents are concerned that much of this review seems to have prioritised global projection of hard power. The Government has chosen to cut aid budgets for countries in need, such as Syria and Yemen.

Minister reply

No, I do not remotely agree with that.

Roger Gale Con

Herne Bay and Sandwich

Question

I am proud to be a member of a party which in its last manifesto said it would spend 0.7% of gross national income on overseas aid, but we know that because of the fall in GNI, the 0.7% represents less money than it did a year ago.

Minister reply

I am very grateful for his suggestion and remind him of our commitment to overseas aid. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is sold at cost around the world.

Chris Bryant Lab

Rhondda and Ogmore

Question

Dealing with authoritarian regimes around the world, especially those that do not want to play by the rules, is complicated. I understand that, but we have to be consistent, coherent, determined and brutally tough when we need to be.

Minister reply

We have consistently called out what has happened in Xinjiang and used Magnitsky sanctions against Russia.

Richard Drax

Question

'Global Britain’ remains the buzzword, and our armed forces have a key role to play with the integrated review. With that in mind, and given the many responsibilities my right hon. Friend has committed to, can he reassure me that he will expand the Army to 100,000 as our chief ally, the US, has recommended?

Minister reply

My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that the Army, including reserves, will be over 100,000. We are investing £24 billion and undoing some of the mistakes made by the previous Labour Government.

Shadow Comment

Keir Starmer

Shadow Comment

Keir Starmer criticised the Government's review, noting that while it aims to address complex and increasing threats, its foundation is weakened by a decade of Conservative policies reducing defence spending and weakening the armed forces. He questioned whether further cuts to the Army would occur, given the ongoing reduction in numbers and equipment. On foreign policy, he highlighted inconsistencies with China, human rights abuses, arms sales to Saudi Arabia, and the lack of an updated arms export regime. Starmer also criticised the Prime Minister for not mentioning international development spending cuts despite their significance. He called out the Government's reputation for breaking international law and questioned the strategic purpose behind increasing nuclear stockpiles.

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About House of Commons Debates

House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.

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Integrated Review

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At a Glance

How the Debate Unfolded

Government Statement

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