Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Integrated Review 2021: Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Monday 28 March 2022 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The integrated review stated that Defence's forces must prepare for constant global engagement and campaigning to counter emerging threats.
  • We are monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely and will continue to adjust our capabilities and readiness levels accordingly.
  • While acknowledging expert views, the focus is on modernising land forces to increase lethality and precision in artillery rather than solely on larger numbers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Philip Dunne Con
Ukraine Defence
Context

The question refers to the integrated review 2021 and seeks an assessment of the impact of Russia's actions in Ukraine on UK force structure.

Question

With reference to the integrated review 2021, what assessment has been made of the implications for policies on force structure in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Answer from James Heappey

The integrated review stated that Defence's forces must prepare for constant global engagement and campaigning to counter emerging threats. We are monitoring the situation in Ukraine closely and will continue to adjust our capabilities and readiness levels accordingly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific assessment of force structure implications

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Q2 Philip Dunne Con
Defence
Context

NATO has committed additional forces to eastern Europe, and the question addresses concerns about reducing UK army size as per the integrated review's recommendations.

Question

Last week, NATO nations committed force deployments to four member states in eastern Europe. Does my hon. Friend agree that now is not the time to reduce the force strength of the British Army by 9,500 regular soldiers, and should this aspect of the conclusions be deferred or reversed?

Answer from James Heappey

My right hon. Friend is an expert on this issue. While I acknowledge his view, my position is that now is the time to modernise our land forces rather than focusing solely on larger numbers, emphasising the need for increased lethality and precision in artillery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not explicitly address whether reduction should be deferred or reversed

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