UK government must inject renewed impetus into the Aukus partnership, report says
The UK government must inject a renewed impetus into Aukus, the trilateral defence partnership with Australia and the United States, if it is to deliver on its potential, a House of Commons Defence Committee report has found.
The report warned that the scale and ambition of Aukus requires political leadership from the Prime Minister to counter the political drift that could see it derailed.
Without the necessary leadership, the committee said that it was not confident that cross-government coordination, prioritisation and pace required to deliver Aukus will be achieved.
The new submarine class to be built under 'Pillar 1' of Aukus – the SSN-AUKUS – will form the cornerstone of UK security in the Euro-Atlantic region.
"The opportunities Aukus presents are great, but so are the challenges it poses. While the promise of Aukus remains, our uncovered shortcomings and failings that place it under threat," Defence Committee chair Tan Dhesi said.
"Any undertaking of this scale requires committed, consistent political will and leadership. Unfortunately, we found that the UK's political leadership on Aukus has dwindled.
"Aukus can't be seen as just another defence programme; if it is to stay on track, then leadership must come from the very top."
Shortcomings and failings in Aukus' delivery
The committee's inquiry found that the investment pipeline at the crux of the UK's Aukus commitment has already faltered and highlighted that it cannot be allowed to happen again.
The report said that the UK's submarine availability is critically low amidst deepening concern about the Royal Navy's readiness, emphasised by HMS Dragon's slow deployment to the Gulf last month and subsequent maintenance issues.
HMNB Devonport in Plymouth and HMNB Clyde need infrastructure improvements, the committee said.
Mr Dhesi said that Aukus has begun "to hit bumps in the road".
"It is in all of our interests for Aukus to be a success. Failure to show leadership and maintain momentum carries a heavy price," the Slough MP added.
Strengthening cooperation with Aukus partners
The committee warned that there could be bottlenecks, future backlogs and delays if workforce movements are not sorted.
In response, the committee urged the government to remove workforce mobility barriers, including considering an Aukus visa.
Alongside the submarines, 'Pillar 2' of the defence partnership will see the trio of countries work together on advanced technologies, such as hypersonics and AI.
The committee highlighted that 'Pillar 2' had had a "disappointing start".
The Defence Committee has called for a more "joined-up approach" to the second pillar.
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