07:56 GMT, April 29, 2009
British Defence Secretary John Hutton gave a speech last night to the Institute for Public Policy Research in which he spoke about the role of defence in Britain’s national security.
Over a year since the launch of the National Security Strategy of the United Kingdom which identified the threats faced in the UK and brought together the agencies and departments in addressing them, Mr Hutton said that the Prime Minister has committed to publishing an update of the strategy in the summer and he added:
“At a time when there is pressure on public resources we need clarity about what adds value, a clear sense of priorities when it comes to the use of precious military resources, and a recognition about where the UK itself can best make an effective contribution.”
Speaking about the role of the British Armed Forces in protecting Britain’s national security, Mr Hutton said that a crucial part of the strategy was preventing and countering terrorist activities in failed and fragile states overseas such as Afghanistan. Continue reading
