One of the very few UK focussed blogs that something sensible to say on defence and security matters is Jedibeeftrix. They have just posted an interesting analysis of the Conservative parties ‘A Resilient Nation’ paper. Have a look http://jedibeeftrix.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/britain%E2%80%99s-future-strategic-direction-4-%E2%80%93-reading-the-tea-leaves-of-a-resilient-nation/
The analysis of the Conservative’s approach to Security, Defence and Resilience been a large undertaking. It is only a high level analysis, completed in short order, hopefully readers appreciate that further analysis will be worthwhile as more information comes out of the Conservative Defence, Security and Resilience team. The analysis is split over 10 posts Part 1 Part 2 Part [...]
4.6 Increased attention to the resilience of critical infrastructure The need to take a much more considered approach to the protection and long term resilience is obvious but has been severely neglected by the current government. The proposed systematic modelling of all related infrastructure and services is an idea that is well overdue but may need legislation as much of [...]
4.4 A new emphasis on domestic security The paper states that effective border control is the first line of defence against the entry if unwanted persons. A long standing Conservative commitment has been the creation of a robust and unified border policing capability. The current patchwork of the UK Border Agency, parts of HM Revenue and Customs, local police forces, [...]
4.3 A more integrated approach to post-conflict reconstruction There has been a number of well publicised ‘issues’ between the MoD, DFiD and civilian aid agencies in Iraq and Afghanistan, as the paper says ‘we need a step change’ The current arrangements of DFiD, MoD, FCO and NGN’s means that inevitably there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians and [...]
4.3 A more integrated approach to post-conflict reconstruction There has been a number of well publicised ‘issues’ between the MoD, DFiD and civilian aid agencies in Iraq and Afghanistan, as the paper says ‘we need a step change’ The current arrangements of DFiD, MoD, FCO and NGN’s means that inevitably there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians and [...]
4.1 A liberal Conservative foreign policy If we can move away from the hand wringing yoghurt knitting left winged foreign policy of the Labour government then this will be a huge step in the right direction. The UK needs to understand the concept of national interest and stop trying to swan around the world stage, being a force for good. [...]
4 Changes Needed This is the substantial part of the strategy and our analysis. The new, integrated approach to national security will, however, mean some major changes in the way we do business. In particular, it will involve; A liberal Conservative attitude to foreign policy which champions an enlightened vision of the national interest Reducing the need for military intervention [...]
3. Some Fundamental Continuities The new National Security Strategy, and the accompanying Strategic Defence and Security Review, will be built on certain solid foundations – most have been at the heart of bi-partisan policy over many years, including; NATO Maintenance of the nuclear deterrent EU cooperation Active involvement in international institutions Continued determination to prevent proliferation of nuclear and other [...]
2. A Unified Security Approach To deal with the new world we need to link all the relevant parts of government… The document strategy proposes three key new initiates, the establishment of a National Security Council, National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security Review. 2.1 National Security Council This has rather a USA feel to it and be responsible [...]
1. Britain’s Place in the World Reaffirming that the United Kingdom is an open, outward facing nation of considerable influence this sections covers the issue of how we might perceive our global role. After reading the section it is hard to see what is different from any other political party and it does not actually highlight any changes or solid [...]
Released at the same time as David Cameron’ speech at Chatham House is the Conservative parties approach to national security and resilience. Headlines include Setting up a proper National Security Council to ensure that the Government’s preparations for and response to threats and hazards are co-ordinated. Creating a new Permanent Military Command for Homeland Defence and Security to reinforce on [...]
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