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Securing Britain in an age of uncertainty - The Strategic Defence and Security Review  

CAB 179/10 
19 October 2010

The Strategic Defence and Security Review, which sets out how the Government will go about securing Britain in an age of uncertainty, has been published today. It is the first time that a UK government has taken decisions on its defence, security, intelligence, resilience, development and foreign affairs capabilities in the round, setting out the delivery of the ends set out in the National Security Strategy. 

It follows the National Security Strategy, published yesterday, and sets out the Government’s determination to make the right decisions for the long term defence and prosperity of the country.

The Prime Minister told Parliament:

"There is no cut whatsoever in the support for our forces in Afghanistan... Furthermore, every time the chiefs of defence staff have advised me that a particular change might have implications for our operations in Afghanistan, either now or in the years to come, I have heeded that advice.

"In fact, we have been and will be providing for our brave forces in Afghanistan: more equipment to counter the threat from IEDs; more protected vehicles – like the warthog heavy protection vehicle which will be out there by the end of the year; more surveillance capability, including unmanned aircraft systems; and crucially, at last, the right level of helicopter capability."

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said:

"The frontline has been protected because Afghanistan is the Government’s top priority.

"Tough decisions are required to reconfigure our Armed Forces to confront future threats whilst we also tackle the £38bn deficit that has accumulated in the 12 years since the last Defence Review. The Ministry of Defence must become as effective and as efficient as possible. Lord Levene will help me deliver radical reform to streamline the Department."

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

"The challenging financial environment has meant that we have confronted some difficult choices in this Review. Our first priority has been to maintain the focus on Defence’s main effort in Afghanistan, and to ensure that we continue to deliver the necessary resources to that campaign. Beyond this, we face an uncertain future, so we have sought to maximise the agility and adaptability of our Armed Forces.

"That is partly about equipment, where we have had to take some tough decisions; but it is mostly about our people, who have always given us our winning edge.  Despite some uncomfortable times ahead, recruiting and retaining people of the right talent, commitment and courage will be key to our future success."

This Review will equip us with modern defences, including Armed Forces and equipment fit for the 21st century; strong security and intelligence agencies; and diplomats and development aid which can help us prevent threats before they become a reality. The Government doubles the amount of aid we spend in conflict countries, tackling threats at their source.

We will continue to invest in our security and intelligence agencies, and establish a transformative national programme to protect ourselves in cyberspace, backed by £650m of new funds.

The Review recognises that national security depends upon economic security, and vice versa. Bringing the defence programme back into balance is a vital part of both how we tackle the deficit and how we protect our national security.

The Prime Minister said:

"Our national interest required our full and active engagement in world affairs. It requires our economy to complete with the strongest and the best, and it requires too that we stand up for the values we believe in.

"Britain has punched above its weight in the world, and we should have no less ambition for our country in the decades to come. But we need to be more thoughtful, more strategic and more co-ordinated in the way we advance our interests and protect our national security. That is what this Review sets out to achieve."

Notes to Editors

1. For further information and related factsheets see Securing Britain in an age of uncertainty - The Strategic Defence and Security Review
2. Contact the Cabinet Office Press Office on 020 7276 0424 / 1196. 

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