A|D|S holds an event with the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox, to brief industry representatives from UK companies on the Conservative Party's defence policies.
Speaking at Bird & Bird LLP in London, Dr Fox set out his view on the role of the UK defence industrial base and how a Conservative Government would harness the UK defence industry to meet the numerous challenges ahead for our armed forces, the Ministry of Defence and Britain’s industrial base.
Fox said, “The size and success of Britain’s defence industry brings huge benefits to our economy, workforce and population. However, there are three areas which stand out as dramatically different, and which are major causes for concern.
“Firstly, the global benchmark percentage of the defence Check against delivery budget that goes towards administration is 11% — in the UK it is 20%. Secondly, the global benchmark percentage of the defence budget that goes towards maintenance is 5% — in the UK it is 13%. Thirdly, the global benchmark percentage of the defence budget that goes towards procurement of military hardware is 33% — in the UK it is only 18%.
“We both can, and must, do more. That is why to accompany our Strategic Defence and Security Review we will undertake a fundamental and far reaching review of the way we provide defence capability in this country. From the way in which we procure defence equipment and support services, to the structure of UK R&D. From our relationships with our NATO allies, to the promotion of defence exports. And from reviewing the role of our world leading defence Primes, to maximizing the contribution made by our SMEs — often the engine room of our defence industry.”
Rees Ward, Chief Executive of A|D|S, commented: “We welcome Dr Fox’s views on the future of defence from his party’s perspective, as well as his in-depth engagement with industry. We look forward to further fruitful dialogue with him and his colleagues in the future, as with other parties, in the run-up to the general election and beyond.”
