I wanted to update constituents following the Prime Minister’s important statement to the House of Commons this week, in which he set out the conclusions of his Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy. This is officially called the Global Britain in a Competitive Age, the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, and outlines the government’s vision for the UK’s role in the world over the next decade and the action we will take to 2025.
I have had plenty of interest from people across Mid Sussex on matters tied into this wider Review, which focuses on the future of our country, looking at the three key areas of national interest – sovereignty, security and prosperity – combined with our democratic values and commitment to human rights for all, freedom of speech and faith, the rule of law and striving for equality.
This is the product of a over a year’s work across government departments and follows consultations with a wide range of advisors, experts and external organisations, meaning we can now set out a vision for Global Britain. This includes:
- a renewed commitment to the UK as a force for good in the world
- a more robust position on security and resilience
- an emphasis on openness as a source of prosperity
- an increased determination to seek multilateral solutions to challenges like climate change
The Review also sets out four overarching objectives (www.gov.uk):
- Sustaining strategic advantage through science and technology, incorporating it as an integral element of national security and international policy to firmly establish the UK as a global S&T and responsible cyber power. This will be essential in gaining economic, political and security advantages.
- Shaping the open international order of the future, working with partners to reinvigorate the international institutions, laws and norms that enable open societies and economies such as the UK to flourish. This will help our citizens and others around the world realise the full benefits of democracy, free trade and international cooperation – not least in the future frontiers of cyberspace and space.
- Strengthening security and defence at home and overseas, working with allies and partners to help us to maximise the benefits of openness and protect our people, in the physical world and online, against a range of growing threats. These include state threats, radicalisation and terrorism, serious and organised crime, and weapons proliferation.
- Building resilience at home and overseas, improving our ability to anticipate, prevent, prepare for and respond to risks ranging from extreme weather to cyber-attacks. This will also involve tackling risks at source – in particular climate change and biodiversity loss.
During his statement to the House of Commons on the Integrated Review, which took place on Tuesday (16th March), the Prime Minister said:
“I am profoundly optimistic about the UK’s place in the world and our ability to seize the opportunities ahead.
“The ingenuity of our citizens and the strength of our Union will combine with our international partnerships, modernised Armed Forces and a new green agenda, enabling us to look forward with confidence as we shape the world of the future.”
The full link to the Prime Minister’s statement, and the contributions of other MPs following this, can be found here: Integrated Review - Tuesday 16 March 2021 - Hansard - UK Parliament
I am proud this Integrated Review sets out our goals, regarding national security, and how international policy on this subject will look leading up to 2025, as well as future Spending Reviews. I hope this gives everyone in Mid Sussex confidence that, as a Government, we will ensure all departments and resources work in unison, coordinated by enhanced strategic capabilities to achieve our objectives at home and overseas.
More information can be found here: PM to publish review defining the UK’s place in the world - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)