22 Jul 21. Defence Committee launches inquiry into US, UK and NATO.
Today, the Defence Committee launches its new inquiry into the US, UK and NATO. The relationships with NATO and the US are integral to the UK’s defence, and this inquiry will re-examine those relationships following the recent change of US Administration, the publication of the UK Integrated Review (and the accompanying Defence strategies) and the NATO summit of June 2021.
The Committee welcomes evidence on the following topics:
- How far should the UK ensure its foreign policy, defence and security priorities are aligned with those of its NATO Allies, in particular the US?
- What benefits does the UK bring to the UK/US relationship and the NATO Alliance? What should the UK focus on providing in the near future?
- What are the new US Administration’s priorities for US foreign, defence and security policy? What impact will they have on the US Global Posture Review [due to be released this summer] and in turn, how could that affect UK and NATO policy and deployment decisions?
- Where do the US, UK and NATO align on their understanding of global threats and their view of how (using measures across the ‘Diplomatic, Information, Military, Economic, Financial, Intelligence and Law Enforcement’ spectrum and the wider spectrum of civil society) to respond? Where do they diverge?
- How will the UK’s journey to becoming an ‘information-led’ force impact its ability to operate and fight alongside a) the US and b) other NATO Allies both in terms of the UK’s potential capability gaps during the transition and the potential impact on interoperability should individual Allies adopt such a transition at differing timescales?
- What impact has COVID had on joint UK/US and wider NATO exercises?
- What impact will the Government’s commitment to retaining onshore capabilities have on MOD’s ability to purchase equipment from companies based outside the UK?
- How can the UK best support NATO in implementation of the NATO 2030 agenda? Specifically:
o Deepening and broadening political consultation in NATO;
o Preserving NATO’s technical edge; and
o Investing in NATO (in particular around the funding commitments which will need to be agreed at the NATO 2022 summit)
- How can NATO best learn collective lessons from both warfighting and post-conflict operations?
- How can NATO effectively foster technological cooperation among Allies and how best can the UK engage in that process? What role will NATO common standards and the new Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) play?
- Will NATO’s newfound interest in the Indo-Pacific complement the UK’s ‘tilt’? If so, what should the UK be doing bilaterally with partners and where in NATO should it focus its efforts?
Form of written evidence:
Submissions should be no longer than 3,000 words. The main body of any submission should use numbered paragraphs. Each submission should contain:
- a short summary, perhaps in bullet point form;
- a brief introduction about the person or organisation submitting evidence, for example explaining their area of expertise or experience;
- any factual information from which the Committee might be able to draw conclusions, or which could be put to other witnesses;
- any recommendations for action by the Government or others which the submitter would like the Committee to consider for inclusion in its report to the House;
- It is not necessary to address all the terms of reference, submissions can focus on one or more questions.
Submissions should be in malleable format such as MS Word (not PDFs) with no use of colour or logos. Submissions should be arranged in numbered paragraphs.
Guidance on submitting written evidence and data protection information is available here: Guidance on submitting written evidence.
Deadline for submissions
The Committee is asking for initial written evidence to be submitted through the Committee’s web portal by 23:59 on Friday 1 October 2021
It is recommended that all submitters familiarise themselves with the Guidance on giving evidence to a Select Committee of the House of Commons which outlines particulars of word count, format, document size, and content restrictions.
Diversity
We encourage members of underrepresented groups to submit written evidence. We aim to have diverse panels of Select Committee witnesses and ask organisations to bear this in mind when we ask them to choose a representative. We are currently monitoring the diversity of our witnesses.
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Ministry of Defence: Research
UIN 34437, tabled on 16 July 2021
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the total net expenditure on (a) research and (b) development by his Department in financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) produces an annual ‘Research and development expenditure by the UK government’ publication which provides detail of research and development expenditure for UK government Departments including the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The ONS publication reviews research and development expenditure in detail and presents the net expenditure broken down into ‘Research’ and ‘Development’ spend respectively. The latest release of this publication covers financial year 2019/20 expenditure and can be found here: Research and development expenditure by the UK government – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk) As outlined in the ONS publication, MOD’s net expenditure in 2019/20 on Research was £647 million and on Development was £370 million.
The detail of the Ministry of Defence’s net research and development expenditure for 2020/21 will be published by the ONS in April 2022. MOD’s audited Annual Report and Accounts, which will include total R&D spend in financial year 2020/21, will be published in September.
Defence Equipment: Procurement
UIN 33151, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which the 10 largest programmes are by value in his Department’s latest Equipment Plan; and what estimate he has made of the (a) acquisition cost and (b) through-life cost of each of those programmes.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
We plan to publish the Ministry of Defence’s 2021-2031 Equipment Plan in Autumn 2021. The 10 largest programmes by whole life costs in the department’s Equipment Plan, as of 31 March, are:
Programme Name
Dreadnought
Complex Weapons Portfolio
Type 26 Global Combat Ship Programme
Nuclear Warhead Capability Sustainment Programme
Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems
Astute Boats 1-7
Future Maritime Support Programme
Lightning Programme
Future Beyond Line Of Sight
Armoured Cavalry
The department reports on these programmes as part of the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio which includes whole life cost data:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/major-projects-data#2021-data(opens in a new tab).
Cost estimates are developed in accordance with HM Treasury guidance (including The Green Book and HM Treasury Business Case Guidance) and the MOD’s guidance on investment approvals (Joint Service Publication 655). Costs are regularly scrutinised and monitored through these processes.
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority will be publishing their annual report shortly that will include those whole life costs that can be disclosed while respecting ongoing competitive tendering or other commercial sensitivities.
AWE Aldermaston
UIN 35501, tabled on 19 July 2021
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what were the total constructive losses to his Department for the termination of Project Hydrus in 2010.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
Following the decision not to proceed with construction activities on Project Hydrus, the final write off cost for the termination of the project was £117.7 million and components valued at £71 million were incorporated into the joint UK/French hydrodynamic capability established under the TEUTATES Treaty.
European Fighter Aircraft
UIN 33152, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy published in March 2021, what plans he has for the Tranche 1 of Typhoon aircraft when they leave service.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
The Ministry of Defence is currently reviewing potential disposal options for the RAF’s Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft which on current planning will go out of service in March 2025.
Ministry of Defence: Procurement
UIN 34435, tabled on 16 July 2021
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what percentage of Ministry of Defence procurement spending went to UK (a) small and (b) medium-sized enterprises in financial years 2019/20 and 2020/21.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
In financial year 2019/20, the Department spent £4.515 billion directly and indirectly with Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, accounting for 21.3% of our procurement spend. The figures for financial year 2020/21 are due to be published by the Government early next year.
Submarine Delivery Agency: Managers
UIN 33148, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the anticipated length of service is of the incumbent Head of the Submarine Delivery Agency.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 – £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022. The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 – £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract. The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.
Ministry of Defence: Chief Information Officers
UIN 33145, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the salary band is of the Head of Defence Digital.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 – £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022. The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 – £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract. The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.
Defence Equipment and Support: Managers
UIN 33143, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the salary band is of the Head of Defence Equipment and Support.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
The salary band for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Defence Equipment and Support is £280,000 – £284,999. The anticipated length of service is four years to 20 May 2022. The salary band for the Head of Defence Digital (Chief Information Officer) is £120,000 – £208,100. The incumbent is employed on a permanent contract. The salary band for the CEO of the Submarine Delivery Agency is £280,000- £285,000. The incumbent is employed on a five-year contract that commenced in September 2017.
Defence Innovation Fund
UIN 34436, tabled on 16 July 2021
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) how many projects received funding from the Defence Innovation Fund in 2020/21 and (b) what was the total amount spent on those projects by his Department.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
59 Projects received funding from the Defence Innovation Fund in 2020-21. The total amount spent on these projects was around £70 million.
Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations
UIN 34012, tabled on 15 July 2021
Question
Mr Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi
Labour
Slough
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the effect of the withdrawal of UK and NATO military personnel from Afghanistan on the political stability of that nation.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 21 July 2021
The UK continues to play a leading role as we transition to a new phase of international support for Afghanistan. As the Prime Minister said in his statement to the House on 8 July 2021, the international military presence in Afghanistan was never intended to be permanent. We will continue to support the Government of Afghanistan, including its efforts to counter terrorism, through our diplomatic and development work and support to the security sector. We will continue to stand with the people of Afghanistan to support a stable, peaceful future for the country. We are also supporting the international efforts to energise the Afghan peace process. For there to be any chance of a lasting peace, the Taliban must engage meaningfully in a dialogue with the Afghan government.
Type 31 Frigates
UIN 33154, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the initial operating capability for the Type 31(e) Frigate.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 20 July 2021
On current plans, the initial operating capability date for the Type 31 frigate will be 2027.
Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft: Guided Weapons
UIN 33136, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate his Department has made of the cost of integrating a (a) ASRAAM, (b) Paveway IV guided bomb and (c) SPEAR 3 long-range precision weapon onto the F-35B Lightning II.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 19 July 2021
The estimated costs of integrating ASRAAM, Paveway IV and SPEAR Cap 3 weapons onto the F-35 Lightning are as follows: ASRAAM: £47 million, Paveway IV: £103 million, SPEAR Cap 3: £170 million.
Type 45 Destroyers
UIN 33140, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the sea-going status is of each of the six Type 45 Destroyers; and which of those ships are (a) operationally available, (b) undergoing maintenance and/or a refit and (c) temporarily unavailable due to propulsion problems.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 19 July 2021
HMS DEFENDER is currently deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG21) while HMS DIAMOND has experienced some technical issues and has detached from CSG21 for maintenance, inspection and defect rectification.
HMS DARING and HMS DUNCAN are currently undergoing planned deep maintenance.
HMS DAUNTLESS, the first of the Type 45 Destroyers to undergo a Power Improvement Project upgrade, is expected to return to sea for trials this year.
HMS DRAGON is undergoing a period of planned maintenance in advance of further operational commitments.
HMS Diamond: Repairs and Maintenance
UIN 33139, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the nature is of the propulsion issue affecting HMS Diamond; and when that issue first occurred.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 19 July 2021
While operating in the eastern Mediterranean, HMS DIAMOND experienced some technical issues and has detached from the Carrier Strike Group for maintenance, inspection and defect rectification. She is expected to re-join the Task Group during the Indo-Pacific phase of the deployment.
Ajax Vehicles: Procurement
UIN 33142, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what alternative procurement options he has for the replacement of the capability envisaged from the Ajax Armoured Vehicle programme in the event that that programme is cancelled; and if he will make a statement.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 19 July 2021
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to Ajax.
Type 83 Destroyers
UIN 33153, tabled on 14 July 2021
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the initial operating capability for the Type 83 Destroyer.
Answer
Jeremy Quin
Conservative
Horsham
Commons
Answered on 19 July 2021
The Type 83 Destroyer will replace the Type 45 Destroyers when they go out of service in the late 2030s. It is anticipated that the concept phase for the Type 83 Destroyers will begin in the next few years.