Security industry should be recognised - it protects the nation & its world-leading high-tech exports can also help lift UK out of recession
A|D|S, the UK's AeroSpace, Defence and Security trade organisation welcomed the publication of the Conservative Party's Green Paper on National Security "A Resilient Nation" at Chatham House as an important contribution to the national security debate.
Industrial capability is vital to tackling the security threats that the UK faces in partnership with the Government. To achieve this, it is important that the overall budget for defence and security is sustained for the long-term. The defence budget was 4.4 per cent of gross domestic product 20 years ago but it is now 2.3 per cent. This downward trend must be arrested if the UK is to remain at the top table of world affairs and retain its capability to protect its interests at home and abroad. Therefore, the Government of the day must invest adequately in the industrial technologies and solutions that are required for this task and should also recognise the contribution of the UK's defence and security industries in contributing to wealth creation and UK exports that can help move the country out of recession.
Ian Godden, Chairman of A|D|S, said: "We welcome the publication the Conservative Party green paper on national security and the attention that the Opposition is paying to the vital debate on how to protect our population. The paper is an important contribution to that debate.
"The UK security supply industry is a world-leader in high-technology development to keep our country and its population safe. Alongside this benefit to our safety, the industry is also well-placed to deliver a major boost to the flagging UK economy through exports of world-class technology to other countries who seek to protect their citizens too.
"The Conservatives Green Paper rightly acknowledges the broad range of strategic security risks that the country now faces. It also identifies the need for a more joined-up strategic approach on matters of national security and it is encouraging that the paper treats defence and security issues in an integrated way. In this context, the proposal to establish a National Security Council (NSC) is a significant development. If the NSC materialises under any Government A|D|S would encourage and welcome the representation of industry within the structures of the new body.
"It is encouraging that a Conservative Government would commit to engage industry in a sustained dialogue on strategy and policy development and that the strength of our defence and security industries' technology is recognised. We will continue to seek strong political leadership that recognises the contribution of industry in delivering National Security and on defence we believe that we can offer solutions to assist in the aim of improving the equipment procurement process. The UK Security and Resilience Industry Suppliers' Community (RISC) is already in place to ensure that strategic engagement between Government and industry on matters of National Security is coordinated and effective. Industry would encourage any future Government to maintain strong links with RISC as a useful conduit to industry."
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