Strategic defence review in danger of failing key tests, warn MPs

The crucial decision-making process that will shape Britain's defence strategy is taking place without adequately getting the views of the public and may make leave the military struggling to meet current obligations, according to a report produced by an influential group of MPs.

The Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) is taking place too quickly and is "unlikely to be a sound foundation for the future defence of our country" said the House of Commons Defence Committee. The MPs were also critical of the confusion surrounding one of the most expensive investment packages under scrutiny – the Trident nuclear programme which is the subject of a dispute between the Treasury and the Ministry of Defence on who should be financing it.

The Committee's chairman, James Arbuthnot, said: "We are not yet convinced that the combination of a budgetary straitjacket, the short timescale, and the apparent unwillingness by the Ministry to think outside existing structures, for example with regard to the more integrated use of reservists, will deliver the required strategy."