Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Command Paper Refresh, published on 18 July 2023, what benefits he expects from transferring responsibility for the Global Defence Network to STRATCOM.
Answer
The Global Defence Network (GDN) currently provides a cross-defence capability in British diplomatic missions around the world and a service for international defence engagement to all Ministry of Defence commands. The transfer of responsibility for GDN to UK Strategic Command is expected to deliver better integration between Defence sections and the other parts of Defence's global footprint held in the command, including overseas bases, global hubs, specialist liaison officers and loan service staff.
The transfer gives UK Strategic Command an opportunity to better coordinate and expand the regional and cultural expertise provided by the GDN, as well as a capability to develop further a trained and experienced defence diplomacy cadre drawn from the three single Services. The move also allows the GDN to leverage all the resources available to UK Strategic Command to better prepare and support Defence Attachés and Loan Service colleagues working alongside our Allies and International partners.