Defence Command Paper must end years of uncertainty about the govt’s support for UK defence skills

The government has published a Command Paper which sets out the practicalities and funding for meeting the objectives of the refreshed Integrated Defence and Security Review.

The paper, long-delayed, details the plan for defence both here and abroad. Of particular interest it sets out plans for:

• How Defence will become a science and technology superpower, enhancing our capabilities in fields such as robotics, human augmentation, directed energy weapons and advanced materials, to gain the edge on the battlefield;
• A new alliance with industry, engaging much earlier in strategic conversations and building in greater financial headroom to respond to changing needs;
• A new employment model and skills framework, increasing fluidity between the military, the Civil Service and industry, while offering a more compelling and competitive incentivisation package;

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect union, said:

“The Command Paper commits to working more closely with industry, this must result in spending more money in the UK, to bolster jobs, growth and our sovereign capability.

“This must end years of uncertainty about the government’s intentions and its support for UK skills, such as on the number of warships it intends to order and when.

“Defence spending drives innovation, leading to long term benefits for science and the economy. Organisations like DSTL should be especially well-placed to benefit from this spending.

“The government will not be able to deliver its objectives without supporting the civilian defence workforce.

“Changes to MoD career pathways must be done with the full involvement of trade unions, and the damaging freeze on civil service recruitment must be immediately lifted.”