Briefing Note: Defence Provisions in The King’s Speech 2024

Date: 17 July 2024

Author: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA

Purpose

This briefing note provides an analysis of the defence-related provisions outlined in His Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament for 2024. It focuses on legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing national security, supporting the armed forces, and maintaining the UK's defence capabilities.

Key Legislative Proposals

Hillsborough Law

• Objective: To improve transparency and accountability within the public sector, including the defence sector.
• Key Measures:
• Duty of Candour: Introduces a statutory duty of candour for public servants, including those in the defence sector, to promote transparency and honesty.
• Public Sector Accountability: Aims to change the culture of defensiveness in the public sector, ensuring that families affected by incidents receive the justice and information they deserve.

Armed Forces Commissioner Bill

• Objective: To establish a statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to act as an independent champion for service personnel and their families.
• Key Measures:
• Independent Oversight: Creates the position of an Armed Forces Commissioner to oversee and advocate for the welfare and rights of armed forces personnel and their families.
• Support Services: Enhances support services for service members, ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed effectively.

Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

• Objective: To strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and resilience against cyber threats.
• Key Measures:
• National Cyber Strategy: Implements a comprehensive national cyber strategy to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber-attacks.
• Enhanced Cyber Capabilities: Invests in advanced cyber capabilities and training for defence personnel to improve the UK's cyber resilience.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Encourages collaboration between government and private sector to share intelligence and best practices for cyber security.

Strategic Defence Review

• Objective: To ensure the UK's defence capabilities are aligned with evolving global threats and challenges.
• Key Measures:
• Comprehensive Review: Conducts a thorough review of the UK’s defence strategies, capabilities, and resources to address emerging threats and ensure readiness.
• NATO Commitment: Reaffirms the UK’s commitment to NATO and its core values of individual liberty, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
• Nuclear Deterrent: Maintains a strong nuclear deterrent as a central element of the UK’s defence strategy.

Northern Ireland Legacy Legislation

• Objective: To address the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles and ensure justice and reconciliation.
• Key Measures:
• Repeal and Replace: Begins the process of repealing and replacing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.
• Consultative Approach: Engages with all parties in Northern Ireland to develop new legislation that supports reconciliation and justice for victims.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill

• Objective: To support the work of international organisations in promoting peace, security, and humanitarian assistance.
• Key Measures:
• Status Recognition: Provides formal recognition and support to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
• Enhanced Cooperation: Strengthens cooperation with these organisations to support global peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

Strategic Goals

The defence-related legislative measures aim to:

• Enhance National Security: Strengthen the UK’s defence capabilities to address evolving global threats, including cyber-attacks.
• Support Armed Forces: Ensure the welfare and rights of armed forces personnel and their families through independent oversight and enhanced support services.
• Promote Transparency and Accountability: Foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the defence sector and public services.
• Maintain Defence Commitments: Reaffirm the UK’s commitment to NATO and its core values and maintain a strong nuclear deterrent.
• Address Historical Issues: Promote justice and reconciliation in Northern Ireland through legislative reforms addressing the legacy of the Troubles.

The table below summarises the key legislative proposals and measures related to defence as outlined in the King’s Speech 2024.

Bill	Objective	Key Measures
Hillsborough Law	Improve transparency and accountability within the public sector, including the defence sector	Duty of Candour, Public Sector Accountability
Armed Forces Commissioner Bill	Establish a statutory Armed Forces Commissioner to act as an independent champion for service personnel and their families	Independent Oversight, Support Services
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill	Strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and resilience against cyber threats	National Cyber Strategy, Enhanced Cyber Capabilities, Public-Private Collaboration
Strategic Defence Review	Ensure the UK’s defence capabilities are aligned with evolving global threats and challenges	Comprehensive Review, NATO Commitment, Nuclear Deterrent
Northern Ireland Legacy Legislation	Address the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles and ensure justice and reconciliation	Repeal and Replace, Consultative Approach
Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and International Committee of the Red Cross (Status) Bill	Support the work of international organisations in promoting peace, security, and humanitarian assistance	Status Recognition, Enhanced Cooperation

Conclusion

The King’s Speech 2024 outlines significant legislative initiatives aimed at bolstering the UK's defence capabilities, enhancing the welfare of armed forces personnel, and ensuring national security. The proposed bills reflect the government’s commitment to addressing contemporary security challenges and supporting the defence sector in safeguarding the nation.

Authoring Tools: Blog Bunny

An advanced AI developed by OpenAI, GPT content is designed to simplify and explain complex concepts with authority and clarity. Specialising in transforming intricate topics into engaging, easy-to-understand articles, Blog Bunny employs its vast database and research capabilities to ensure factual accuracy and depth. Dedicated to enhancing the educational aspect of blog posts, a source for insightful, well-researched and expertly written content that resonates with readers across various domains. Blog Bunny can be accessed at https://chat.openai.com/g/g-8I5hFRY8p-blog-bunny

Disclaimer:

Please note that parts of this post were assisted by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool. The AI has been used to generate certain content and provide information synthesis. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the AI's contributions are based on its training data and algorithms and should be considered as supplementary information.