Supplementary memorandum
from the Ministry of Defence
Q1. Will the Green Paper
be tasked with providing options and making provocative proposals
in order to stimulate discussion, or will that be the task
of the Defence Review proper?
The Green Paper will
set the key underlying issues and questions that the Defence Review
will need to address. It is intended to support debate on the
major choices facing Defence and help build consensus on the main
issues.
Q2.—During the process
of drawing up the Green Paper, or when it is published, what level
of visibility/accessibility will be given to the documents which
informed and supported it?
We are considering publishing
supporting essays on the model of the SDR and 2003 White Paper.
But no decision has yet been taken.
Q3. What role will
HM Treasury have in limiting the scope/ambit of the Green Paper
and in determining the key questions it is supposed to ask?
The Treasury was consulted
on the decision to publish a Green Paper on the lines set out
by the Secretary of State on 7 July. A range of departments are
being engaged throughout the Green Paper process and they will
be consulted on the final text.
Q4.—Which OGDs will
be on the group with Tom McKane steering the Green Paper?
The Department's Defence
Strategy and Plans Group (DSPG) is the principal forum for steering
Green Paper work. Representatives of the Cabinet Office, Foreign
and Commonwealth Office, Department for International Development,
HM Treasury and the Home Office are invited to DSPG meetings when
Green Paper issues are being considered.
Q5.—How will academics
(not appointed to the DAF) be able to participate in the Green
Paper process?
We have held, or are
planning, three joint academic seminars with independent institutions
(Chatham House, the RUSI and one other to be confirmed). In addition
we are engaging with already scheduled academic discussion programmes.
We have a wide range of individual contacts with experts. We have
also posted our views on the King's College —blog"
(—King's of War") inviting comments. This has stimulated
an interesting exchange with experts.
Q6.—When will the
political positions on the DAF be filled?
We are pleased to confirm
that membership of the DAF now includes the Right Honourable Lord
Robertson of Port Ellen, The Honourable Nicholas Soames MP and
The Right Honourable Sir Menzies Campbell MP. A statement for
both Houses will be made soon.
Q7.—How will the
Green Paper take account of the UK's key role within both EU and
NATO? Will either institution provide inputs into the process?
The UK's partnerships
and alliances will be a key theme of the Paper. We have consulted
key international staff in both of those organisations.
Q8.—Will the Green
Paper set out—alongside the key questions it will asking
of the Defence Review—how that Review might best be carried
out?
The Defence Review will
be conducted after the next General Election. It will be for the
Government in a new Parliament to determine precisely how the
Review should be conducted.
4 November 2009
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