The review, likely to be published later this month, will call for a change in the “whole society mindset” towards defence and homeland security, with a need for greater civilian awareness of global insecurity, The i Paper understands.
While the SDR is not going to propose a cut to the British armed forces, or suggest military service for civilians, it is likely to say that the “mindset” of civilian society and the industrial sector should be more geared towards national security.
The long-awaited SDR is expected to be published later this month – potentially coinciding with Keir Starmer’s hosting of a crucial UK-EU summit on 19 May, when European leaders will agree a defence pact to strengthen security following the retreat of US support under Donald Trump.
However, The i Paper has been told of tensions between Whitehall departments and among defence chiefs over its content and presentation.
One defence source claimed there was unhappiness among some defence chiefs about a lack of focus on modern warfare, including drones – which are a key feature of the war in Ukraine. Drones are a leading cause of casualties on the frontline in that conflict.
However, MoD sources insisted that there were no divisions in government over the presentation and content of the review, and that the authors – former Nato secretary general Lord Robertson and former military commander Gen Sir Richard Barrons – had examined the war in Ukraine and the growth in drone warfare, as part of their terms of reference.
He added: “This defence review is more about turning Britain into a competent defence force, which means all of society.
“Drones bought now will be out of date by the time they are needed. This is about how do you speed up the procurement process from years to weeks.
Ellwood added that it was important for the SDR to highlight the threat of Russia to all of society.
“The objective is to create a change in how we do defence – a whole society approach to improve defence.”
Shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge said: “The SDR should be the moment when ministers take bold decisions to drive a stronger armed forces, not least through rapid rearmament to replace capabilities gifted to Ukraine.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “We will not be drawn into commenting on speculative claims regarding the strategic defence review. We have maintained that it will be published in the spring, and this has not changed.
“The strategic defence review is wide-ranging, with specific proposals that are informed by the latest conflicts including the war in Ukraine, the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.”
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