According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the UK government has appointed Sir Stephen Lovegrove as its AUKUS adviser to maximise the benefits of the AUKUS partnership.
The government says Sir Stephen, who has previously served as National Security Adviser and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, brings significant experience to the role as the UK seeks to deepen its collaboration with Australia and the United States under the AUKUS agreement.
The AUKUS partnership, established in 2021, is described in the release as a crucial global security arrangement. Sir Stephen’s appointment, ahead of the third anniversary of AUKUS, reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the partnership’s defence and economic benefits.
His responsibilities include assessing the UK’s progress in meeting AUKUS objectives, identifying any barriers to further success, and exploring additional opportunities to strengthen the partnership.
Defence Secretary John Healey noted the current global challenges, stating, “As tensions increase, and conflicts continue around the globe, our partnerships with our allies are critically important. AUKUS is a pioneering partnership that will not only bolster our defence and security but can drive jobs and economic growth in communities across the UK.” He expressed confidence that Sir Stephen’s extensive experience in national security will be instrumental in guiding the UK’s role in AUKUS.
Sir Stephen underscored the importance of AUKUS, calling it “the most significant global security partnership the UK has joined in decades.” He acknowledged the complexity of the work ahead and stated his commitment to ensuring that the UK fully capitalises on the opportunities presented by the partnership.
This appointment comes shortly after recent reforms to export controls, designed to facilitate closer cooperation between the AUKUS nations by enabling the sharing of next-generation technologies.
These changes could impact up to £500 million in UK defence exports annually and are expected to significantly boost trade across all three AUKUS nations, further supporting the UK’s economic growth.
Sir Stephen’s work will contribute to the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review, helping to shape the UK’s future strategic goals within the AUKUS framework, they add.
I recognise the name. He was also a banker I think? So that will certainly maximise profits for the MIC!
Will it put assets in the hands of the UK military though, beyond the current planned 7 SSN, the current all time low.
I’m still not sure what was the worst decision…cutting the SSN numbers of destroyer numbers.. SSN numbers are probably overall more impactful cut considering the utility of SSNs and the significance growth in the AAW capability of wider RN escorts. But is a cut that was more problematic in causation ( AKA a load of bollox- ups dating back from 1986)where as the cut in in destroyers was pure immediate short term thinking and cost saving.. so essentially although the SSN cut was a worse decision…it was more inevitable and driven by wider BS and mistakes than pure immediate cost… Read more »
Hi M8, I can’t believe I’m going to say this but, BIG BREATH ! It isn’t all about the numbers of RN Submarines in the short term. It’s way more fundamental than that, it’s about how the system copes with the implications of the AUKUS Treaty and what they mean. IMHO most developed countries struggle to effectively deliver huge projects that involve cross departmental cooperation. You just need to look at UK handling of COVID or the massive failure in US intelligence that missed 9/11 to see that. So we have the AUKUS Treaty which involves MOD, FO, Industry, Education… Read more »
You’re like Jonathan mate, a man of reason!
All true and most encouraging, just requires patience that no one has as the benefits, to hull numbers, are so far away!
Thank you, it’s taken 6 decades of Swearing, Tea and Beer to get here. Yes it’s decades away but just for once it’s actually Industry led and it’s being fully funded, up front and not a cost cut in sight. Anyone would think someone at HMG asked industry “can you do this and what do you need to do it properly, efficiently and in a sustainable way ?”. Answer is “Yes we can, we need A, B, C through to Z, plus new apprentices, we need to start right now, planning issues overcome and it’s going to cost £X billions.… Read more »
He’s got a ‘Sir’ in front of his name so I’m sure he’s the perfect candidate to sort out what the countries involved need with regard to submarines. I’d have preferred someone who was a bit more submariney but what do I know….
Is sir Steven already a paid civil servant or is this an appointment of another quango? How much is he being paid and from which budget?
I feel a freedom of information request coming on.
Another mandarin jobs for the boys. We need grunts with guns. Not pen pushers.
As the World Parliament of Peace President Vitali Alexandrovich Druzhinin I commend AUKUS for such dignified professional political military Intelligence appointment of Sir Stevens to the role of permanent advisor . Now, France will lead the attack on Central Russia,and Britain will unite maritime forces to attack China and Russia simultaneously. God will remind Britain of it’s mighty power in the crusades and the unbeatable fleet and the intelligence services in the Middle ages leading them from the East to the Caribbean basin where now the chief battles would ensure. God bless British Empire born again in our mighty God