The defence review is welcome – we also need a workforce plan to deliver its findings

The Government has announced the launch of a defence review to ensure our capabilities match our needs.

The strategic exercise will conclude in the first half of next year, and help ministers set defence and foreign policy priorities for the rest of the parliament.

Mike Clancy, Prospect General Secretary, said:

“The early launch of a defence review is welcome given the growing threats to the UK around the world.

“It is important that the government works with unions and employers to develop a proper workforce plan alongside the review which encompasses the armed forces, civil service and the private sector. This will make sure that the ambitions of the review can be delivered in practice.

“The government must also consider how the defence design process in the Ministry of Defence proceeds while the review is ongoing. The recruitment freeze imposed by the last government continues to cause serious problems across the department and a more strategic approach is badly needed.”