Members of Parliament: Ministry of Defence Lacks Believable Strategy to Address £16.9 Billion Capability Deficit
MPs have alerted that there is a £16.9 billion gap between the Ministry of Defence’s budget and the military capabilities needed by the UK’s armed forces.
The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee (PAC) published a report on Friday, stating that the gap is the largest since 2012, despite the government injecting £46.3 billion over the next decade.
The cross-party PAC pointed out that the gap could potentially be underestimated as it only considered “affordable” capabilities, with the actual deficit possibly reaching £29 billion.
The report highlighted that the British Army alone faces a shortfall of £12 billion in capability.
Meg Hillier, chair of the PAC, expressed concern, stating, “In an increasingly volatile world, the Ministry of Defence’s lack of a credible plan to deliver fully funded military capability as desired by the government leaves us in an alarming place.”
The MPs emphasized the importance of the UK’s armed forces and their international role, but noted that similar challenges faced by other allies could impact their ability and willingness to offer extensive support.
The government aims to increase defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP in the long term.
The MOD recently released its equipment plan, but the PAC criticized the credibility of the UK armed forces being undermined and warned that gaps in military capabilities make the UK more reliant on NATO allies than ever before.
Question Marks Over 44 of 46 Equipment Programmes
Out of the MOD’s 46 equipment programs, only two are rated as highly likely to be delivered on time, within budget, and meeting quality standards.
Five projects, including new nuclear submarine reactors, communications technology, and missiles, are deemed unfeasible.
The report also accused the MOD of avoiding significant decisions about canceling unaffordable procurement programs.
It was highlighted that prioritizing the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, which oversees the UK’s nuclear deterrent, worsened the deficit and heightened the risk of squeezing budgets for conventional forces.
Recruitment challenges were also acknowledged, with more individuals leaving the armed forces than joining.
Tory MP Mark Francois mentioned in September 2023 that the British Army was only meeting 80 percent of its recruitment targets.
It was suggested by a defense analyst that the MOD might intentionally be reducing the number of recruits into the British army.
The PAC noted that the MOD’s workforce plan is not functioning as intended, posing a risk to fulfilling defense priorities due to a lack of attracting individuals with necessary skills.
MOD Offering ‘Zigzag Careers’ to Tackle Recruitment Problem
The MOD is exploring options to enhance flexibility in armed forces careers, such as implementing “zigzag careers” involving individuals transitioning in and out of service.
The PAC mentioned that the MoD is contemplating mothballing Royal Navy ships due to crew shortages, and the only ship capable of fully resupplying the UK’s aircraft carriers is unavailable this year for refurbishment.
Last month, ministers confirmed that assault ships HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark would remain operational until the mid-2030s without being mothballed.
Labour’s shadow defense secretary, John Healey, criticized Conservative ministers for failing to address the deep-rooted issues in the MOD, resulting in budget mismanagement and billions wasted.
He warned that the lack of proper equipment poses a risk to fulfilling NATO obligations amidst conflicts in Europe and the Middle East.
Although Treasury minister Gareth Davies refuted the PAC’s findings, he highlighted the record funding allocated to the armed forces, emphasizing the need for technological advancements in dealing with modern conflicts.
In a separate report, Tory MP Tobias Ellwood stated that an £11 billion increase in defense spending is insufficient to revitalize the depleted army.
PA Media contributed to this report.
