Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 April 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Friday, 17 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Think Tanks

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 29 of his Department's document entitled Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, whether the review into the use of think tanks will be published before Parliament.

Answer

As part of our implementation of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence has begun work to understand how we can reinvigorate our approach to think tank engagement to better support defence diplomacy activity and enhance our international relationships. Work on the initial review will be completed before the end of 2026, although we anticipate an ongoing conversation with think tanks rather than a one-off project.

Defence is considering how best to engage with Parliament. We will ensure the review and the insights it delivers can be implemented effectively in a timely manner within Defence and with the think tank community.

The review will be led by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Policy organisation within the Department of State, with support from the Secretary of State’s Office of Net Assessment and Challenge (SONAC) and other parts of the department as appropriate. The review will be steered by Minister of State Lord Coaker.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 123672
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2026-0227
Tuesday, 24 March 2026
Deposited papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer: Yes
Subjects: Defence Reviews Think tanks
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Defence: Think Tanks

Secondary information

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