Tuesday 13 May 2025, 10.30, CR5
The Defence Committee holds a further evidence session examining
the contribution from UK Defence to European security, with a
focus on the UK's contribution to NATO and the role of small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in increasing the UK's defence
industrial capacity. Committee Members will hear from expert
witnesses, including those within industry. The session will take
place at 10.30, on Tuesday 13 May.
Dr Rob Johnson will give evidence in the first panel, during
which Members are likely to address the ability of the UK to
fulfil its NATO commitments and the need for national resilience.
Questions may also cover the degree of interoperability within
NATO.
In the second panel, the Committee will hear from witnesses from
Defence SMEs about the role that SMEs play in contributing to the
UK's defence industrial capacity and national resilience.
Questions are likely to explore the relationship between SMEs,
prime contractors, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Witnesses are likely to discuss the MOD's SME Hub and their key
asks of the MOD ahead of its Defence Industrial
Strategy.
10.30, Tuesday 13 May:
- Dr Rob Johnson – Former Director of the Secretary of State's
Office of Net Assessment and Challenge (SONAC), Director of the
Strategy, Statecraft, & Technology Research Centre, Pembroke
College, University of Oxford
11.30:
- Dr Alastair McGibbon – Head of Semiconductors, Space Forge
Ltd
- Ken Turley – former CEO, RUK Advanced Systems
Ltd
