02 Dec 22. CAEC holds one-off session on UK export controls and sanctions on Russia. On Wednesday 7 December, at 15.15, the Committees on Arms Export Controls will hold an evidence session examining the effectiveness of the UK sanctions and strategic export controls implemented on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. The Committees on Arms Export Controls consists of four House of Commons Select Committees with a shared interest in the area of arms export controls. The Committee will hear from two panels of expert witnesses, including Kevin Wolf, former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration. The first panel will examine the effectiveness of controls in relation to Russia, and the implications of these measures for the future of such policies. The second panel will shift focus to explore whether the strategic export controls and sanctions on Russia are working on the ground, as well as looking at their impact on UK exporters. Topics likely to be covered include examining the extent to which sanctions and controls are being circumvented, how to prevent weapons and equipment donated to Ukraine falling into Russian hands, and what multilateral collaboration should be taking place.
Witnesses:
15.15
- Dr Erica Moret – Senior Researcher, Sanctions and Sustainable Peace Hub at the Geneva Graduate Institute and Policy Director at Polisync—Centre for Policy Engagement
- Kevin Wolf – Partner, Akin Gump, and former US Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration
16.15
- Kevin Craven – Chief Executive Officer, ADS Group
- Gary Somerville – Research Fellow, Open-Source Intelligence and Analysis Research Group, Royal United Services Institute
01 Dec 22. New inquiry: Defence in Scotland: the North Atlantic and the High North. MPs to examine Scotland’s role in UK defence of the North Atlantic and Arctic amid rising geopolitical tensions. In the third phase of its Defence in Scotland work, the Scottish Affairs Committee has today launched a new inquiry examining the North Atlantic and the High North. Defence and security in the North Atlantic and the High North are important considerations for the UK and NATO, particularly in light of the current geopolitical climate following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia has significantly increased its military activity in the Arctic, having set up a new Arctic Command and opening new and former military sites. Military based in Scotland has an important role to play in contributing to security of this region, and in protecting important shipping routes and underwater infrastructure from its bases, such as HMNB Clyde and RAF Lossiemouth. During this mini-inquiry, the Committee will be exploring these themes further and will identify what the UK Government can do to further bolster North Atlantic and Arctic defence capabilities in Scotland. The Committee will be examining Scotland’s role in the UK Government’s Arctic Strategy, which was published in March 2022.
Scottish Affairs Committee Chairman, Pete Wishart, said: “From the navy to the RAF, Scotland is the heart of the UK’s military capabilities. As the world is exposed to increased geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the security of the North Atlantic and the surrounding countries has never been so important in modern times. The UK Government’s Arctic Strategy, published earlier this year, recognises this and outlines how the UK is operating in new ways to adapt to any threats. Our Committee will be examining the role that Scottish-based defence capabilities will play in this changing landscape, and how the Arctic Strategy is being delivered in Scotland.”
Terms of reference
The Committee is inviting written submissions before Thursday 19 January. These should focus on, but not be limited to:
- What are the UK’s national security priorities in the North Atlantic and the High North?
- What role do Scottish-based defence capabilities have in achieving defence and security objectives in the North Atlantic and the High North?
- To what extent does the MoD’s Arctic strategy work to help achieve strategic defence objectives in the region?
- Is the Arctic Strategy being delivered effectively in Scotland? For example, are Scottish bases sufficiently equipped to meet operational requirements?
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Navy: Training
Question for Ministry of Defence
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the impact of the removal of Elbit from Project Selborne on the timetable for delivering the Royal Navy’s Future Naval Training Programme.
Answer
Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons
Answered on 30 November 2022
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly reviews its capability programmes. As the result of a recent review, MOD is in discussion with Elbit Systems UK about their departure from submarine training in the Project Selborne contract and has already agreed the company’s departure from Dreadnought Crew Training contract. This has not happened because of any specific issues with Elbit Systems UK or any wrongdoing on their part but rather a result of applying revised operational sovereignty standards for the UK’s highest priority capabilities. Elbit Systems UK remains an important and trusted partner across a range of other contracts in Defence. Capita Business Services Ltd, as the Prime Contractor delivering Project Selborne, are responsible for ensuring its delivery. Any specific impact on the timetable for delivery of the Future Naval Training Programme will depend on the outcome of the negotiations which are currently underway with Elbit Systems UK regarding their involvement in Project Selborne, therefore I am unable to comment further at this time.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Contracts
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether quality assurance testing for the Fleet Solid Support Ship contract will be undertaken by UK officials in Spain before blocks are transferred to the UK.
Answer
Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons
Answered on 29 November 2022
There are quality assurance processes which apply to the whole manufacture process, regardless of the location of manufacture.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Contracts
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Spokesperson’s comments on 22 November 2022, which vital skills and technology transfer will be transferred to the UK as a result of the Fleet Solid Support Ship contract.
Answer
Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons
Answered on 29 November 2022
The transfer of technology and skills from Navantia to the UK shipbuilding industry that the Fleet Solid Support ship programme will facilitate, includes provision for a team of Spanish shipbuilding experts to be resident within Harland & Wolff (H&W) to upskill local staff to deliver the construction in the UK and ensure build productivity and quality levels are met. A ‘Train the Trainer’ methodology will be used, which will allow for skills transfer across a number of shipbuilding trades.
Through the contract, Navantia will share its expertise in build processes and the use of modern technology, which will be shared with UK partners. This includes investments in software complementing the recapitalisation investment in facilities, plant and machinery. This will result in significant productivity improvements, and the upskilling of H&W’s UK workforce.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Contracts
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any advance payments have been made to (a) Navantia UK, (b) Harland & Wolff and (c) BMT since the preferred bidder announcement for the Fleet Solid Support Ship contract.
Answer
Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons
Answered on 29 November 2022
No advance payments have been made to any member of Team Resolute since it was announced as the preferred bidder in the Fleet Solid Support ship competition.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Contracts
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 November 2022 to Question 89758 on Fleet Solid Support Ships: Contracts, whether mechanisms exist to hold the prime contractor to account for delivery of UK content.
Answer
Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons
Answered on 29 November 2022
The prime contractor will hold the Fleet Solid Support ship manufacture contract on behalf of Team Resolute. As with any Government contract, mechanisms exist to hold the contractor to account for delivery of all their contractual obligations.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Employment
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 November to Question 89756 on Fleet Solid Support Ships: Employment, whether the prime contractor for this contract is responsible for the number of UK jobs created by the contract.
Answer
Alex Chalk
Conservative
Cheltenham
Commons
Answered on 28 November 2022
The precise distribution of these jobs between UK sites throughout the duration of the Fleet Solid Support ship contract is a matter for the respective companies. The increased investment from the programme will provide the companies with the means to create new jobs and reinvigorate the shipbuilding sector.