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Strategic defence review

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 07 July 2009

 

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth today set out the process towards undertaking a Strategic Defence Review in the next Parliament. The recently updated National Security Strategy (NSS) will provide the framework for the review which will be designed to ensure that the UK’s Armed Forces are fully prepared for future threats and challenges to Britain’s security.

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth said:

“The challenges facing Defence have inevitably changed over time. To ensure that our forces are ready to face the challenges of the future we are today announcing a process for a Strategic Defence Review in the next Parliament. As a first step this will involve a detailed examination of a range of issues including: the lessons we have learned from our recent operations; the changing character of conflict; the requirements on and aspirations of our Armed Forces. This will be set out next year in a Green Paper which will help to inform a defence review in the next Parliament.

“Our Armed Forces provide the ultimate defence against threats to our national security by tackling conflicts, threats and crises across the globe. My current priority is to ensure that UK personnel in Afghanistan have the equipment and support they need to face current and future threats.

To date, over £2.2 Billion has been provided from the Treasury Reserve for Urgent Operational Requirements in Afghanistan. This is new money over and above the Defence Budget (£35.4Bn) which is invested in people, equipment, infrastructure, to safeguard Britain’s interests at home and overseas.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup said:

"I welcome the decision to start work now on a Green Paper that will help to inform a defence review next year. The 1998 SDR has served us well. But much has changed since it was published, and it is right that we address with urgency the challenges facing defence in the future".

1. The process will undertake an examination of a range of issues, including:

• the strategic context for defence, including the lessons we have learned from recent operations and the changing character of conflict
• our experience working in partnership with other arms of government
• the contribution defence can make to the projection of soft power – exerting influence to prevent conflicts
• technological changes in defence
• the scope for more effective processes in defence, including acquisition
• the modern day requirements on and aspirations of our Armed Forces personnel

2. For further information please contact Darragh McElroy from the MoD Press Office on 0207 218 7909.