The Defence Committee has today announced the relaunch of its
Procurement and Prosperity Inquiry from the previous Parliament.
This inquiry will examine the nature of the defence industry in
the UK and the efficiency of the Defence Industrial Policy,
asking whether a new strategy is required as part of the broader
Integrated Review.
Procurement will be a key focus of this inquiry, with the
Committee examining the impact of the current approach to
procurement and acquisition. Additionally, the Committee will
explore the tension between competition and strategic choice.
The Committee will consider new evidence, which can be submitted
until the deadline of Thursday 23rd April. There is no need to
resubmit previous written evidence.
Chair of the Defence Committee, MP, said:
"I am delighted that the Committee is relaunching this absolutely
vital inquiry. "Procurement and Prosperity" will explore
fundamental questions around the wider role of defence as a major
contributor to the UK economy and will ask how to ensure that the
UK defence industry remains a valuable economic and strategic
asset.
"Crucially, this inquiry will ask whether the Government"s
industrial strategy is truly future-proof. Military technology is
constantly evolving, and the defence industry should not be
forced to play catch-up. The nature of defence itself is
continuously in flux; we increasingly occupy the grey zone, with
countries utilising an ever-expanding toolkit of tactics.
"For long-term industrial strategies to stand the test of time
the Government must continually scope emerging cutting-edge
technologies, predicting the next development. Without this, any
strategy will fast become redundant in the face of rapid
technological development.
"The defence industry is integral to our economic health as a
country. Our country has a long history of a robust defence
industry that delivers economic value whilst also serving as an
essential resource and providing indispensable protection to its
citizens.
"Our industrial policy must fly the flag for defence. This
inquiry will investigate how to ensure that the UK defence
industry continues to be recognised across the world as a
competitive and innovative global player."
CALL FOR EVIDENCE
The Committee would welcome written evidence addressing the
following questions:
Is the current Defence Industrial Policy effective? Is a new
Defence Industrial Strategy required?
What are the national skills and competencies needed for a
successful UK defence industrial sector? How can the UK ensure,
and assure, that these are maintained in the right place at the
right time for the right cost?
Does the market for Defence systems, products and services have
any specific characteristics, which differentiates it from other
markets? Does international collaboration limit the potential for
defence exports?
Is tension between competition and strategic choice
inevitable?
Should the UK adopt a formal Offset/Made in the UK policy? What
impact would this have on the national and international defence
markets?
What is considered in assessments of "prosperity" and "value for
money" in defence procurement? What consideration is given to the
local economy, skills retention and balancing the positive
financial impact across the regions and nations of the UK?
What progress has been made in implementing the recommendations
from Philip Dunne"s report?
Does the MoD understand the risks and opportunities in the
Defence supply chain, and the procurement strategies of other
buyers in the market?
What has been the impact of reforms to defence procurement and
acquisition? How should Head Office and DE&S acquisition
reform be aligned to defence industrial policy and strategy?
Given that major capability acquisition programmes are
international by design"the Combat Air Strategy and Type 26
frigate for example"how does a modern national defence research
and industrial policy successfully manage cross-border long term
partnerships and align with the industrial approach of allies and
partners? What lessons can be learnt from other defence exporting
countries?
The Committee invites written submissions for this inquiry, which
need not cover all the points above. These should be submitted
via the inquiry page on the Defence Committee website.
The deadline for written evidence is Thursday 23 April 2020.
