UK Strategic Defence Review outlined

Strategic Defence Review outlined
July 7, 2009

A process for undertaking a Strategic Defence Review (SDR) in the next parliament has been set out by Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth today, Tuesday 7 July 2009.

The review, which will be set in the context of the recently updated National Security Strategy, will be designed to ensure that the UK's Armed Forces are fully prepared for future threats and challenges to Britain's security.

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said:

"The challenges facing Defence have inevitably changed over time. To ensure that our forces are ready to face the challenges of the future we are today announcing a process for a Strategic Defence Review in the next parliament.

"As a first step this will involve a detailed examination of a range of issues including: the lessons we have learned from our recent operations; the changing character of conflict; the requirements on and aspirations of our Armed Forces.

"This will be set out in a Green Paper which will help to inform a Defence Review in the next parliament.

"Our Armed Forces provide the ultimate defence against threats to our national security by tackling conflict, threats and crises across the globe. For this reason, my current priority is to ensure that UK personnel in Afghanistan have the equipment and support they need to face current and future threats."

"It is right that we address with urgency the challenges facing Defence in the future."
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup

To date, over £2.2bn has been provided from the Treasury Reserve for Urgent Operational Requirements in Afghanistan. This is new money over and above the Defence Budget (£35.4bn) which is invested in people, equipment and infrastructure to safeguard Britain's interests at home and overseas.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said:

"I welcome the decision to start work now on a Green Paper that will help to inform a Defence Review next year. The SDR has served us well. But much has changed since it was published in 1998, and it is right that we address with urgency the challenges facing Defence in the future."

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