Sir has been appointed as the
Government's AUKUS Adviser, to help the UK maximise the benefits
of AUKUS and unlock further opportunities within the historic
partnership.
Sir Stephen has a wealth of experience, as the National
Security Adviser at the time of the AUKUS announcement in
2021 and as the previous Permanent Secretary at the Ministry
of Defence.
Sir Stephen will lead a piece of work to reinforce the progress
and benefits of the AUKUS programme – reporting by the end of
October. His report will establish UK progress against the
original AUKUS ambition so far, identify any barriers to success,
and how to unlock further areas of opportunity to maximise the
potential of AUKUS.
As the AUKUS 3rd anniversary approaches, the appointment is a
sign of the new government's commitment to maximising the
benefits of the defence and security partnership.
Sir Stephen will work with UK, Australian and US partners
throughout his work, helping deliver the fullest possible
advantage of the AUKUS partnership – ensuring both defence and
economic benefits.
Defence Secretary, said:
As tensions increase, and conflicts continue around the globe,
our partnerships with our allies are critically important.
AUKUS is a pioneering partnership that will not only bolster our
defence and security but can drive jobs and economic growth in
communities across the UK.
Sir Stephen's advice on AUKUS carries the strength of his widely
respected national security experience. I am very grateful to him
for taking on this role to help maximise the benefits of AUKUS.
Sir , UK Government AUKUS
Adviser, said:
AUKUS is the most significant global security partnership the UK
has joined in decades. With work that is hugely complex and
spanning many years it's entirely right that an assessment is
taken of the UK's progress to date and the opportunities that lie
ahead.
I look forward to starting work immediately to help maximise the
potential of this crucial programme.
Sir Stephen's work will form a contribution to the longer
Strategic Defence Review, helping propose the UK's strategic
ambition for AUKUS going forward.
The announcement follows last week's landmark export control
changes that will enable all three AUKUS nations to work
more closely together to develop next-generation technologies,
compete with adversaries and support interoperability in the
Indo-Pacific.
It is estimated the reforms – which will lift certain export
controls and restrictions on technology sharing – will cover up
to £500 million of UK defence exports each year, and billions of
dollars of trade across all three nations, helping boost UK
economic growth.
