The next quinquennial Armed Forces Bill is due in 2021. In 2017 the Ministry of Defence commissioned a review of the service justice system in preparation for the Bill. This paper explains what the Service Justice System is, the main outcomes of the review and the Government’s response.
Documents to download
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Future shape of the armed forces (211 KB, PDF)
Since 2010, UK defence policy and the armed forces have undergone significant change. A massive programme of reform and restructuring has been implemented to allow the Ministry of Defence to make savings, as well as achieve a leaner and more agile force that meets the UK’s needs by 2020. Much of that reform process is still ongoing amidst constantly changing global challenges.
The armed forces remain on a long-term downward trajectory in terms of raw numbers of personnel and all three services are below their 2020 target. Recruitment and retention remains a key issue for all three services and the Ministry of Defence is in the process of reforming the ‘offer’ made to current and future personnel. This includes introducing legislation to enable flexible working. £178bn will be spent on equipment over the next ten years including new combat aircraft, aircraft carriers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, armoured vehicles, complex weapons and submarines. However the National Audit Office has cautioned “the affordability of the Equipment plan is at greater risk than at any time since its inception”.
Documents to download
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Future shape of the armed forces (211 KB, PDF)
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This paper provides details and links for ministerial statements and parliamentary debates (from both Houses of Parliament) that cover international affairs and defence.
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After transition the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) provisions no longer apply to the UK and formal cooperation in these areas does not form part of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement reached at the end of December 2020. Instead, the UK Government envisages a flexible, ad hoc approach that will make use of channels of broader dialogue with the EU. How this will work in practice remains to be seen.
