Defence Equipment 2021-02-01
2021-02-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP notes the importance of British industry in supplying defence equipment. He highlights General Electric's electric power and propulsion systems as a strategic national asset.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure that British industry can supply the defence equipment needed to meet future threats? The national shipbuilding strategy reflects the strategic importance of ship systems and the supply chain that provides them. Will he confirm that those are considered strategic national assets and included in Government thinking on fleet solid support ships programme?
I can certainly confirm that I recognise that many of the benefits of naval procurement are seen in the supply chain; General Electric and other systems providers play a hugely important role as part of the UK's shipbuilding enterprise. I am committed to maximising the benefits to UK industry in all our defence procurement, within the regulations.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment was made regarding inclusion of General Electric's systems in fleet solid support ships programme
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the reduction in revenue-based equipment support despite an increase in overall defence spending. He highlights a budget shortfall of £17 billion.
How on earth has he agreed to this cut, and how is he going to meet the future threats to this country and fix the black hole in the budget by cutting day-to-day defence spending?
We have planned to spend £186 billion on equipment and support between 2018 and 2028. We need to balance revenue spending and capital spending in terms of the resource departmental expenditure limit throughout the process.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete plan was provided for dealing with budget shortfalls through reduced day-to-day defence spending
Downplaying
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticises the Secretary of State's predecessor for downplaying the defence black hole problem. The National Audit Office now reports a £17 billion unaffordable equipment plan.
May I urge him not to repeat mistakes by trying to balance books off the back of forces personnel, industry investment and equipment support?
Since taking my post as Defence Secretary I have been determined to ensure that the figures both we and the Treasury use are absolutely of the highest quality and transparency. We will not indulge in fantasy savings or phantom programmes.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment was made regarding avoiding previous mistakes in balancing books off forces personnel, investment or support
Downplaying
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP wishes Captain Sir Tom Moore well, a symbol of British spirit during the pandemic. He warns against infantry cuts and invites the use of RFA Argus in international vaccine roll-out.
May I press the Government on when the integrated review will be published? Also, warn against suggestions that our infantry might be cut by up to 10,000 personnel. Can military assets like RFA Argus be deployed for assisting with international vaccines rollout?
The integrated review will be in the spring. HMS Argus has returned from assisting with outbreaks in the Caribbean, dealing not only with the initial outbreak but also security and border issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Publication timeline of the integrated review was downplayed; no specific commitment for deploying RFA Argus
Downplaying
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questions the Secretary of State's predecessor's claim that the black hole was eliminated in 2012. The National Audit Office now reports a £17 billion unaffordable equipment plan.
Where have we seen systematic problems in managing the defence budget over decades, and how is this integrated review different?
Since taking my post as Defence Secretary I have been determined to ensure that the figures both we and the Treasury use are absolutely of the highest quality and transparency. This will start from a baseline where we can all be transparent about our figures.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific differences were detailed regarding current versus past reviews in addressing budget management issues
Downplaying
Response accuracy