ADS Statement on Defence Equipment Plan report
The Commons Public Accounts Commitee (PAC) has today published its report on the Defence Equipment Plan 2017-2027, raising issues around the plan's flexibility and affordability.
The report makes recommendations to the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to address these issues.
ADS welcomes steps that have already been taken by the MOD in recent months and believes the Government may need to increase defence funding to address the challenges identified
ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said:
“These are challenging times for the UK’s defence community; armed forces, civilians and industry. The decision by the Secretary of State for Defence to launch the Modernising Defence Programme and to ask Philip Dunne MP to review the wider contribution of defence to our national security and prosperity reflects an understanding of the scale and seriousness of the challenges the Ministry of Defence faces.
“We believe a closer long-term partnership between Government and industry can deliver better value to taxpayers, while also providing our Armed Forces with the capability and agility they need to protect the public and our national interests. Government may need to increase defence funding if we are to deliver the range of capabilities required within a reasonable timescale.”
To see the full PAC report, visit: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201719/cmselect/cmpubacc/880/88002.htm