Press Release

---

10/10/2007

Intellect comments on defence and security implications of the Comprehensive Spending Review

From today's Comprehensive Spending Review it is clear that the UK Government is not in a position to simply throw money at its defence and security challenges. The Ministry of Defence seems likely to make cuts, in terms of both civilian manpower and military assets, while the security situation is likely to remain unclear until the publication of the security strategy and budget in November.

We believe information, communications, command and control (C4ISTAR) is the key enabler across defence and security for improving effectiveness, and gives the government the ability to improve value for money and increasing the effect of existing assets and personnel. The information and skills resources at Government’s disposal are one of its most valuable assets, and should be at the forefront of the UK’s defence and security.

The UK has committed to buying the next generation of military assets, but in order for them to be most effective they have to be integrated with personnel, intelligence and commanders. Similarly, to effectively fight terrorism and secure the UK, information and actions need to be integrated across intelligence, police, immigration, military and border agencies.

John Higgins, director general of Intellect comments: "The effectiveness of military and security operations – from Iraq to Edinburgh – depends on the quality and speed of the information delivered to operational commanders. Now more than ever, information is the lifeblood of operations.

Therefore, if the UK is going to meet its security commitments at home and abroad, and if its forces and agencies are to remain amongst the best in the world, the government must ensure that it invests in information and communication capabilities in lean times as well as good. We believe that government recognises the strategic importance of this sector, and hope that moving forwards it will commit to fully funding the information and communications programmes which are a vital part of protecting the UK."

PR Mailing List

Press wishing to be added to the Intellect press release mailing list should email our This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and provide the following information:

Full name
Contact telephone number
Publication (publications if you are a freelance writer)
Areas of interest