UK Military Capability 2023-03-13
2023-03-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the adequacy of the UK's current number of military personnel and range of military capabilities, given recent defence committee reports.
What recent assessment has been made of the adequacy of the UK's (a) number of military personnel and (b) range of military capabilities?
The armed forces' capabilities allow the Ministry of Defence to meet a range of domestic and global commitments. Defence is reorganising and re-equipping to face future threats. Any specific changes related to personnel numbers or military equipment capabilities will be determined once the update to the Defence Command Paper has concluded, which I expect to happen in June.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide concrete details on current assessment of adequacy of UK's number of military personnel and range of military capabilities.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the sustainability of increasing defence spending due to geopolitical events and the need for sustained financial commitments.
What does it take for this House to sustainably increase defence spending given recent geopolitical events?
We have been sustainably increasing our defence since 2020. The Prime Minister recognises the dangerous world we are in, and both the Chancellor and the Prime Minister recognised the importance of increasing defence spending in the autumn statement. There will be a Budget later in the week to discuss further details.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on actions taken or planned for sustainable increase in defence spending beyond general statements.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Former head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, called for reversing planned army strength cuts and increasing investment in various capabilities.
What will be done to reverse and build back the capacity that Lord Dannatt is calling for?
In our Defence Command Paper, we are investing in air defence, electronic warfare, signals intelligence and communications. We have invested significantly since 2020 compared to the Labour Government's record of reducing defence spending throughout their tenure.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specifics of reversing Lord Dannatt's cuts but provided context on current investment.
Response accuracy
Q4
Direct Answer
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Context
Concerns about the impact of planned reductions in military spending, especially affecting land forces. Acknowledgment of AUKUS deal's positive job creation impacts.
How does the £3 billion of additional funding for nuclear enterprise relate to Dreadnought and AUKUS procurement programme? Is any part VAT exempt?
The £2 billion-plus is new money separate from the reserve or anything else. It comes on top of extra funding announced in autumn statement. The £3 billion for nuclear chapter includes infrastructure investment necessary for AUKUS procurement towards the end of the decade.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
Press reports suggest additional £5 billion for defence until 2025. Concerns about the impact of reducing Army size amidst inflation and Ukraine invasion.
What does he make of plans to reduce the Army to 72,500 by 2025 given recent conditions?
Reduction in Army size was coupled with record investment of £24 billion. Ensuring correct equipment, care, housing, and deployment is key rather than just focusing on numbers. Proper equipping is crucial to avoid turning soldiers into 'cannon fodder'.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct assessment or commitment regarding the impact of reducing Army size.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The House acknowledges the Secretary of State's efforts to increase defence funding. However, there is disappointment over the £5 billion allocation as it does not meet expectations.
I am concerned that despite the battle fought with the Treasury, the £5 billion is disappointing, particularly if £3 billion goes to AUKUS and £1.9 billion to warehouses, resulting in a cut rather than an increase in defence spending. However, I was encouraged by remarks indicating more money may be available in the Budget next week. Am I being over-optimistic?
All Departments are within their current comprehensive spending agreement, and the next review is due in 18 months to two years. We must ensure we live within our means while seeking relief for challenges. The most important thing is ensuring defence spending's long-term upward trajectory, which has been positive since 2020. This grant continues that momentum.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about more funding beyond £5 billion was not addressed with concrete details or commitments.
Under Review
Within Current Agreement
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
The Defence Secretary previously acknowledged an inflationary pressure of £8 billion on the budget for the next two years. However, recent media briefings suggest only £5 billion is allocated to stockpiles and nuclear programs, leaving core defence budget pressures unaddressed.
In November, the Defence Secretary told the committee that the inflationary pressure on his budget for the next two years is about £8 billion. Media briefings indicate only £5 billion for stockpiles and nuclear programmes, but no new money for core defence budget or capability gaps despite National Audit Office warnings of unaffordable capabilities. How will he ensure this does not happen again in today's 2023 integrated review?
I am going to ensure that the Defence Command Paper reflects the budget I have, unlike what the previous Government did. The ambition should match the money and not create black holes over years. Previous Governments were part of this issue.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about preventing a similar outcome was not directly addressed with concrete measures or commitments.
Blame Previous Government
Not Addressing Current Review
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The Secretary of State has served as Defence Secretary longer than any other Conservative, yet there are ongoing concerns about Army cuts, delayed vehicles and planes, and doubts from allies regarding Britain's NATO obligations.
In 2010 when Labour left government, we were spending 2.5% of GDP on defence, a level not matched in the past 13 years. The Secretary of State has cut the Army to 76,000 with more cuts planned, delayed Ajax armoured vehicles and planes, and faced doubts from allies about NATO obligations. Last month, he admitted forces have been hollowed out due to Conservative Governments. Will his extra defence funding mean more of the same?
If people were honest about past mistakes, things might be better. The National Audit Office report on Labour's governance of defence highlighted a severe financial shortfall of up to £36 billion over 10 years.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed with concrete measures or commitments about future funding impacts.
Blame Previous Government
Referencing Audit Report
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The House acknowledges the Secretary of State's efforts in securing defence funding. However, there is concern over whether £5 billion is sufficient to ensure proper equipping and preparation for potential conflicts.
It is a pleasure to see you back. I commend my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary for his efforts. However, despite his battle with the Treasury, £5 billion may not be enough to properly equip our armed forces. What are Treasury officials thinking?
The Treasury balances an economic situation post-covid, ensuring we cut our cloth to return to economic credibility. I can be honest about past challenges in defence spending and clear on where money will be spent to secure the future for the armed forces.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask was not addressed with concrete details or commitments from Treasury officials.
Balancing Economic Situation
Honesty About Past Challenges
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The Army faces significant recruitment challenges, particularly in the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The 4th Battalion Highlanders relies heavily on Commonwealth recruits.
On military personnel, what is your understanding of the recruitment crisis in defence, with the Army in particular and especially in the Royal Regiment of Scotland? Is it poor service accommodation, mediocre pay, lack of career opportunities or substandard equipment that drives young Scots away from a career in the British Army?
I remember distinctly not being allowed to recruit in towns or schools where SNP councillors ran those schools. I would be very interested to know if the SNP has now changed its tone regarding recruitment challenges for the armed forces, which have existed under both Labour and Conservative Governments.
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Assessment & feedback
Changing Subject To Criticise The Snp
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
Germany has allocated an additional €100 billion to defence in response to Ukraine, while the UK has allocated £5 billion. The US is frustrated that the British Army is no longer a top-level fighting force due to issues with procurement and training.
The Secretary of State says he does not recognise the characterisation, but it is based on fact. Germany allocates an extra €100 billion in response to Ukraine, the UK £5 billion. The US is frustrated that the British Army is no longer a top-level fighting force due to issues with procurement and training. Is it true that this Tory Government over the last 13 years have created an ornamental defence force?
I am getting lessons from the SNP on procurement, when Ferguson shipyard is clinging on by its fingernails. Scotland buys ferries from Turkey instead of using the Clyde. The hon. Gentleman talks about problems with the armed forces but campaigns to break Scotland away from the UK and reduce Scottish armed forces capabilities.
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Assessment & feedback
Changing Subject To Criticise The Snp
Response accuracy