23 May 23. John Kerry appeared before the Defence Committee on climate change. Today, at 14.00, the Defence Committee held an evidence session as part of its defence and climate change inquiry, hearing from John Kerry, the United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change.
This session will cover the impact of climate change on our defence and security. Mr Kerry has served as the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change since 2021 and is the first Principal to sit on the National Security Council entirely dedicated to climate change. Mr Kerry previously served as Secretary of State for four years under Barack Obama and was Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 2009 to 2013. He represented Massachusetts in the Senate from 1985 to 2013. Mr Kerry also served in the US Navy, completing two combat tours of duty in Vietnam for which he received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with Combat V, and three Purple Hearts.
Tuesday 23 May, 14.00:
- John Kerry – US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate Change (virtual)
22 May 23. Armed Forces “not just protecting our nation – but promoting the UK worldwide.” The Defence Committee on Cultural Defence Diplomacy today publishes its report “Defence Diplomacy: A softer side of UK Defence”, based on the work of the Sub-Committee chaired by Gavin Robinson MP.
The report calls on the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to make better use of the UK’s soft power and defence engagement objectives.
The Sub-Committee highlights the importance of military cultural performances, including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (REMT). The report calls on the UK Government to do more to leverage the opportunities it presents by ensuring that the MOD sends a Minister each year and curates the guest list to enhance relationships.
The Sub-Committee welcomes the appointment of a director for the Global Defence Network and praises the Defence Attaché network as critical to the UK’s influence around the world.
However, the Sub-Committee states that there is currently little thought given to talent management or strategic goals in Defence Attachés’ career paths and the system can waste talent and experience. The Government’s approach to language training appears to be disjointed and should be consolidated to streamline the process.
The UK’s military colleges are world-renowned and an important tool for UK soft power. The report calls for the MOD to conduct a review into how Sandhurst and other military educational institutions can be better used to further defence diplomacy and set out a strategy for doing this.
Chair of the Sub-Committee on Cultural Defence Diplomacy, Gavin Robinson MP, said:
“Armed Forces displays, such as the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, are recognisable the world over and have helped to mark some of the most important moments in UK history. In the last year alone, unforgettable performances at the Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral and King Charles’ coronation have drawn audiences of tens of millions.
“Today’s report acknowledges the important role that the Armed Forces play – not just in protecting our nation from threats – but promoting the UK worldwide. Personnel from across the Services should be proud of their phenomenal achievements and their vital role representing the UK.
“Events such as the recent coronation demonstrate the strength of the Armed Forces’ soft power. In today’s report we call on the Government to get as much mileage out of military displays as possible, by committing to sending Ministers and regularly extending invites to all states, not just our closest allies.
“Defence Attachés are indispensable and a key source of soft power and influence. The relationships and networks that Attachés build ensure that the UK has a voice across the globe. The appointment of a director of Global Defence Network is a welcome step in the right direction.
“However, more must be done to professionalise the Attaché career path. We need to ensure that the right training and opportunities are on offer, and that Attachés develop expertise in their specific region and station. Language training is a particular weakness and is in need of consolidation across Government.”
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Nuclear Weapons: Procurement
Question for Ministry of Defence
Dave Doogan
Scottish National Party
Angus
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timeline for the initial gate decision for the replacement warhead programme is.
Answer
James Cartlidge
Conservative
South Suffolk
Commons
Answered on 25 May 2023
It is too early to provide cost estimates for the Replacement Warhead Programme as much will depend on the eventual design requirements, and information relating to the programme may be subject to commercial and national security constraints. Cost estimates and funding arrangements for the programme will be considered at the next spending review.
Chinook Helicopters: Procurement
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 22 May 2023 to Question 185516 on Chinook Helicopters: Procurement, for what reason the delivery schedule for the new Chinook H-47 extended range aircraft is under review.
Answer
James Cartlidge
Conservative
South Suffolk
Commons
Answered on 25 May 2023
The Department remains committed to procuring 14 new Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) airframes through the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme. The delivery schedule is currently subject to review to ensure Defence requirements are best met. It would be inappropriate to comment on or pre-empt the outcome of this review, which will be presented in a Review Note to the Investment Approvals Committee in late 2023.
These new airframes will replace the most obsolescent aircraft at the earliest possible opportunity, as the HC5, HC6 and HC6a Chinook variants move toward their shared out of service date in 2040. There are no HC4 variants remaining in the current Chinook fleet.
HMS Venturer
Question for Ministry of Defence
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department expects HMS Venturer to enter service with the Royal Navy.
Answer
James Cartlidge
Conservative
South Suffolk
Commons
Answered on 25 May 2023
HMS VENTURER, the first Type 31 Frigate, is currently scheduled to be ready for operations in 2027.