A root and branch review of UK defence was launched by Prime
Minister last month to make Britain
secure at home and strong abroad for decades to come. An
externally led review is a first of its kind for the UK and has
been widely welcomed.
The three external reviewers leading the SDR are: , Dr and General Sir Richard
Barrons.
The additional members of the Defence Review Team announced today
have been chosen to support this work due to their expertise
across the priority areas set out by the Terms of Reference of
the SDR. They are:
- Rt Hon Sir – He is a former Defence
Minister in the previous Government and former Chair of the
Defence Select Committee, he also served as Minister for the
Cabinet Office with responsibility for the Government
Commercial Function. Brings significant expertise in
acquisition.
- Angus Lapsley CMG – He is the NATO Assistant Secretary
General for Defence Policy and Planning and over 30 years of
experience in the Diplomatic and Civil Services. Brings
significant expertise on NATO.
- Edward Dinsmore – He has led key elements of the Modernising
Defence Programme and pan-Defence reviews for the Chief of
Defence Staff. Brings significant expertise on ‘people'.
- Robin Marshall – An industry expert and a Non-Executive
Director to the MOD's Defence Board. Brings significant expertise
in industry.
- Grace Cassy – She is an expert in early-stage technology
companies and previously an adviser on national security to
former Prime Minister . Brings significant technology
expertise.
-
CBE, LVO – He was
previously Director Public Spending at HM Treasury,
spokesperson for former Prime Minister , and currently Director
General for Delivery, No10 and Cabinet Office. Brings
significant Treasury and cross-government expertise.
Lead Reviewer, of Port Ellen said:
As the threats facing Britain continue to evolve, we must be
clear-eyed about the defensive capabilities we need for the
future. The work of our review is already underway and will
deliver a clear vision for UK defence.
I am delighted this expert team have agreed to make time to
consider the profound challenges facing our country and how they
can be countered. They provide an incredibly valuable range of
experience across the defence and security sectors, both in the
UK and internationally. Their role in this review process will be
invaluable.
The Strategic Defence Review will be delivered at pace and report
in the first half of 2025, with work already underway -
recognising of the urgency of the threats facing the UK.
Submissions are being invited until the end of September from
serving and retired members of the Armed Forces, the defence
industry, the general public, academics, Parliament, and our
closest allies and partners, especially in NATO.
The Strategic Defence Review will be delivered at pace and report
in the first half of 2025, with work already underway -
recognising of the urgency of the threats facing the UK. The
portal for input from members of the public is now live with
engagement taking place with a wide array of defence
stakeholders.
Background
- The Strategic Defence Review Terms of Reference can be
found here.
The following themes cover the key issues the review should
consider. The Reviewers will have discretion to consider other
issues that arise during the course of the review:
- The strategic and operational context, including the threat
picture and the current baseline state of UK Defence.
- The major features of the force structure needed to create
the necessary integrated multi-domain Defence capability of the
future.
- The opportunities for modernisation and transformation, and
greater productivity, including through the rapid and consistent
application of Digital Age technologies.
- The UK's international partnerships and alliances, and how
these can be strengthened in the cause of collective security and
deterrence.
- The approach to be taken to acquisition and support in order
to deliver the required capabilities in a timely way, and how to
secure the best possible value for money and rapidly changing
technology.
- The approach to recruiting, educating, training and retaining
the people needed for One Defence, including Regular, Reserve,
Civil Service and industry. This is to include how Service life
can be improved for those who commit to serve their country in
uniform.
- The Defence Estate including how it can be modernised and
streamlined to support both defence outputs and wider HMG
objectives on housebuilding and net zero.
- The state of the defence technological and industrial base,
and the contribution of Defence to the government's Growth
Mission.
