Up-to-the-minute perspectives on defence, security and peace issues from and for policy makers and opinion leaders. |
Reappointed UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon has set out key defence priorities. He said :
When the Prime Minister re-appointed me, he stressed just how important he believes our role is in Defence. We are here to deliver.
The incredible VE Day 70 celebrations recalled the triumph of the forces of freedom over the forces of fascism. We need no reminding that the world today remains an equally dangerous place. In the Middle East, ISIL barbarians perpetrate atrocity after atrocity while, on the fringes of Europe, an aggressive Russia agitates against the Ukraine and threatens NATO. Meanwhile, other disasters both natural and man-made continue to demand our response.
In just the last few weeks, our roster of activity has included:
• targeting terrorists in Iraq
• policing Baltic skies
• supplying equipment to Ukrainian forces
• taking part in the largest ever NATO anti-submarine exercise off Estonia
• assisting in the relief effort in Nepal
• and sending HMS Bulwark and three of our Merlin helicopters to the Mediterranean to alleviate the migrant crisis
It is critical for us to remain ready respond to concurrent crises on multiple fronts in the future. That's why I have identified three key priorities in the coming months.
First, to take a leading role in the Strategic Defence and Security Review. This will enable us to establish where, when and from whom future threats may come.
Second, to make sure we have the right capabilities to do the job. That means getting the right mix of manpower in our Armed Forces - whether Regulars, Reserves or civilians. That means making the most of our £163bn Equipment Plan to give our Armed Forces the high-end capability they need. And it means ensuring we maintain our Continuous-At-Sea Deterrence by building the next generation of Successor submarines.
Lastly, my third priority is to strengthen our international partnerships. Global problems require global solutions. We need to do everything we can to work bi-laterally with our partners such as the US and France – and I will be speaking to my counterparts in those countries this week. We also need to work multilaterally, with NATO – the cornerstone of our Defence, and with our other European partners.
Ultimately, success in all these areas depends on the quality of our people both military and civilian. That is why I am going out and about to meet our staff up and down the country. I've already spoken already to Defence colleagues in London, Andover and High Wycombe.
That is why we will be building on the success of our Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families continue to get the resources they need. And that is why we will be acting decisively to ensure our Armed Forces overseas are not subject to persistent human rights claims that undermine their ability to do their job.
So there's an enormous amount to be getting on with. But there's a mandate behind our momentum. And make no mistake, we will inject all our energy and enthusiasm into the task. Doing everything in our power to guarantee the safety, the security and the prosperity of citizens across the United Kingdom.
Cookies
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Defence Viewpoints website. However, if you would like to, you can modify your browser so that it notifies you when cookies are sent to it or you can refuse cookies altogether. You can also delete cookies that have already been set. You may wish to visit www.aboutcookies.org which contains comprehensive information on how to do this on a wide variety of desktop browsers. Please note that you will lose some features and functionality on this website if you choose to disable cookies. For example, you may not be able to link into our Twitter feed, which gives up to the minute perspectives on defence and security matters.