Integrated Review Publication 2020-12-07
2020-12-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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The Government announced the integrated review outcomes with a significant increase in defence funding. The question addresses the publication date for the full conclusions.
When does the Government plan to publish the integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy; and if he will make a statement?
My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has announced the first outcome of the integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy, with the significant increase for defence funding of more than £24 billion over four years to enable modernisation of the armed forces. The full conclusion of the integrated review will be published early next year.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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The Government's current handling of the defence budget has led to delays in equipment programmes, personnel shortages, and a fall in real terms spending since 2010. The MP questioned what areas will be scaled back or sacrificed.
An unaffordable and delayed equipment programme; a shortfall in personnel targets; plans to invest in space and cyber, and integration across all five operational domains, as well as a fall in defence spending since 2010 of more than £8 billion in real terms—the Government's poor handling of our nation's defence means that the review's ambitions will not match the Secretary of State's rhetoric, so when is he going to share with us what areas of defence will be scaled back or sacrificed in the review?
We have learned from previous experiences and are tailoring our response to our ambitions. It is my intention that we will make tough decisions to disinvest in outdated equipment and invest in future capabilities. The most important aspect of defence is the men and women who serve, thus investments include wraparound childcare.
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Assessment & feedback
specific areas to be scaled back or sacrificed
We Have Learned From Previous Experiences
Tailoring Our Response
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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The Defence Committee has been examining the evolving nature of warfare. The MP sought confirmation on how this will influence Britain's global strategy.
In the Defence Committee, we have been able to look at the evolution of warfare and what that might mean for this country. Will the Secretary of State confirm that the integrated review will clearly lay out Britain's position in the changing battle space?
Yes, the integrated review will set out the UK's global leadership, commitment to collective security and burden sharing, alongside defence's historic settlement. It will enable us to prepare for this new and complex reality by investing billions in combat air, shipbuilding, space, cyber, and world-leading research.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The Government has announced a significant capital programme, but there are concerns about the lack of strategic direction and the need to invest in British industry.
The four years capital programme is welcome, even if it conceals a real-terms cut in revenue spending. Right now, we have funding without a strategy, which is why it is essential that the integrated review be published as quickly as possible. Will the Secretary of State undertake that the capital spend will be spent on British industry to equip the British armed forces, creating tens of thousands of jobs in our defence, aerospace and maritime industries?
While we recognise RDEL and CDEL figures over four years, the interpretation by Labour of a real-terms cut in RDEL is incorrect. The Government has committed to record defence spending which will be invested in people, capabilities, and equipment. Britain makes most of the best equipment in the world, so a large proportion of that will be British made.
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Assessment & feedback
specific commitment on capital spend for British industry
We Recognise Rdel And Cdel Figures
Response accuracy