A|D|S, the UK's AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation, publishes a manifesto for the security industry in the run-up to the forthcoming General Election.
Ian Godden, chairman of A|D|S, said: “Our security industry manifesto aims to set out to the political parties in the run-up to the General Election what the sector needs in order to be in the best possible position to maintain our security at home, as well as continue to deliver strong economic benefits through exporting world-class security equipment.
“Innovative UK-based security companies provide the capability for UK Government departments to deliver for the whole British population as well as for their counterparts overseas to do the same for their countries. An example of our excellence in overseas markets is that UK companies supply over 60 per cent of airport security systems to the US Government’s Transport Security Administration.
“The Government is ultimately responsible for national security. This environment is becoming more challenging and therefore the Government partnership with industry in the fight against terrorism and other threats to our security has never been more important.”
Because the need to combat terrorism has increased in recent years the UK Government investment in counter-terrorism and intelligence has risen from £1bn in 2001 to £2.5bn in 2008, and is expected to reach £3.5bn by 2010/11. Police counter-terrorism resources have also increased by 70% since 2006.
To build on UK success in security, A|D|S is seeking commitments from a future Government:
1. Maintain a strong focus on the export of UK security capabilities and develop a joint Government / industry approach to UK security exports which delivers more capabilities at lower cost.
2. Deliver increased transparency around security research & development which is allocated by different Government departments and agencies.
3. Drive standardisation in the security and resilience sector across Government in the UK and internationally.
4. Develop better coordination in procurement in national security and resilience.
5. Support the prompt payment of security contracts especially to SMEs.
6. Work with the UK security industry through RISC (UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers’ Community) to develop capabilities needed to tackle challenges identified in CONTEST (the UK’s Counter Terrorism Strategy) and the National Security Strategy.
