Summary
In March 2008 the Government published 'The National Security Strategy of the United Kingdom: Security in an Interdependent World' (Cm. 7291). Part of that paper dealt with the contribution of the armed forces to the overarching security policy of the UK.
This Defence Committee Report, 'The Defence Contribution to UK National Security and Resilience' (HC 121), looks at the developing area of Parliamentary scrutiny of national security.
The Committee set out to examine how the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Armed Forces interact with other departments and agencies to ensure the safety and security of the UK.
The Report welcomes the proposed creation of a Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (NSS) but questions which minister will give evidence to that Committee.
The Committee's conclusions and recommendations include:
- The vital role of the MoD is outlined and the contribution must be appropriately understood, directed and resourced.
- The Committee recommends that the Government investigate how the Territorial Army could be used in civil emergencies, rather than always resorting to regular troops.
- It is essential that all activity relating to national security is appropriately funded from an indicative national security budget.
- The NSS should also make a clearer connection between the strategy and industry, and the Committee welcomes the Government's engagement with the UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers' Community.
Other issues examined include:
- The London 2012 Olympic Games;
- Maritime security - the Committee comments on only six Royal Navy ships being dedicated to this, and the level of action taken to address identified threats to aspects of critical infrastructure such as ports; and
- The impact of current operations and the extent to which UK forces are stretched or overstretched.
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