DEBATE PACK Number CDP 0142 | 17 July 2017 Compiled by: Nigel Walker Future shape of the Subject specialists: Louisa Brooke-Holland armed forces Claire Mills Contents Westminster Hall 1. Summary 2 2. Press and journal Wednesday 19 July 2017 articles 3 3. PQs 4 2:30pm – 4:00pm 4. Other Parliamentary material 9 4.1 Debates 9 Debate initiated by Leo Docherty 4.2 Statements 9 5. Press releases 17 6. Further reading 25 The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates. Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library. www.parliament.uk/commons-library | intranet.parliament.uk/commons-library |
[email protected] | @commonslibrary 2 Number CDP 0142, 17 July 2017 1. Summary Since 2010, UK defence policy and the armed forces have undergone significant change. A massive programme of reform and restructuring has been implemented to allow the Ministry of Defence to make savings, as well as achieve a leaner and more agile force that meets the UK’s needs by 2020. Much of that reform process is still ongoing amidst constantly changing global challenges. The armed forces remain on a long-term downward trajectory in terms of raw numbers of personnel and all three services are below their 2020 target.