Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Friday, 12 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 December 2003. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of how proposed defence spending changes will affect the ability of the United Kingdom to act unilaterally in any future military action. - Inc ref to Defence White Paper, Delivering Security in a Changing World and 11 December 2003, 415 c1211.

Answer: Mr. Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of how proposed defence spending changes will affect the ability of the United Kingdom to act unilaterally in any future military action. [144691] Mr. Hoon: The Defence White Paper, Delivering Security in a Changing World, set out our requirement for flexible Armed Forces that are structured and equipped to deliver precise and rapid military effect. The changes the White Paper demands will enhance the UK's ability to conduct limited national operations and to pursue our security objectives when acting alongside allies and coalition partners. As I said in my statement of 11 December (Official Report, 11 December 2003, column 1211), work is currently underway to develop the details of the individual systems and structures appropriate for the policy context set out in the White Paper, and I shall make further announcements on the results of that work next year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 415 c943W; 144691
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Armed forces Defence Public expenditure Ministry of Defence Defence Review
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk