Defence review is welcome - we also need a workforce plan to deliver it, says Prospect

Mike Clancy, Prospect General Secretary, responding to the announcement of a defence review, said:

“The early launch of a defence review is welcome given the growing threats to the UK around the world.

“It is important that the government works with unions and employers to develop a proper workforce plan alongside the review which encompasses the armed forces, civil service and the private sector. This will make sure that the ambitions of the review can be delivered in practice.

“The government must also consider how the defence design process in the Ministry of Defence proceeds while the review is ongoing. The recruitment freeze imposed by the last government continues to cause serious problems across the department and a more strategic approach is badly needed.”