To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 1 September to Question 77758, when he plans to begin engagement with (a) Parliament, (b) devolved Administrations, (c) civil society, and (d) UK allies and partners on the Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review; and what form that engagement will take.
Answered on
11 September 2020
The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has engaged with Parliament from the start of the Integrated Review process, including through updating the Foreign Affairs Committee during a session in March. He has submitted written evidence to the Foreign Affairs Committee as part of the inquiry into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Integrated Review. Over the course of the Integrated Review, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will be engaging with international allies and partners, including through its diplomatic network, with Devolved Administrations, Civil Society and a wide range of external experts.
This is part of wider HMG engagement with Parliament, Devolved Administrations, Civil Society as well as the UK's allies and partners regarding the Integrated Review.
The Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence has informally briefed peers with an interest in the Integrated Review. The Deputy National Security Adviser with responsibility for the Integrated Review has informally briefed the Defence Committee and offered similar briefings to other relevant committees. Cabinet Office officials have held virtual discussions with the Devolved Administrations since the re-start of the Integrated Review. The Government will continue to engage in discussions with the Devolved Administrations over the course of the review.