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.
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Disclaimer:
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