MOD Document Reveals "Threats" To UK Security

A new Ministry of Defence policy document contains a series of stark warnings about threats to the UK's defence sector.

The strategy, which outlines plans to boost British defence exports, also highlights the threat from cyber-attacks has become much more serious.

The 42-page document warns foreign intelligence services are more active than ever in covertly gathering information on Britain's defence industry.

It claims this might range from technical details of weapons systems to the theft of intellectual property, which will threaten both national security and jobs in the UK.

The document reads:

"The theft of information or disruption and damage of cyber infrastructure could compromise critical capabilities and is a direct threat to our national and economic security.

"We expect all suppliers to understand the scale and nature of the threat and implement robust standards to enhance their cyber security."

It goes on to say all capabilities and companies involved in the supply chain are at risk.

The strategy says last year the defence industry had a turnover of around 23 billion pounds, investing in 4,300 apprentices and directly supporting 142-thousand jobs.

The document also pledges to make it easier for smaller firms to get involved in the sector.

It says the Ministry of Defence has an aspiration to place a quarter of defence business with small and medium-sized enterprises by 2020.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson says the revamped strategy would ensure the UK's military and defence capabilities would remain the envy of the world.

However, Kevan Jones - a Labour former defence minister - claims the review fails to recognise the Treasury's refusal to provide adequate funding to his department for new equipment.

He said:

"The Defence Secretary's policy talks of a whole-of-government approach to defence yet fails to recognise the Treasury's refusal to provide adequate funding to his department for new equipment.

"Multi-billion contracts for P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, Apache replacement helicopters and Army support vehicles have all been bought off the shelf from the US, putting UK jobs in jeopardy.

"By failing to properly invest at home, leading British manufacturing skills could be lost for good."