John Reid to Open Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) Exhibition

UK Ministry of Defence, The Defence Systems and Equipment International (DSEi) exhibition will be formally opened tonight by John Reid, Secretary of State for Defence. 
 
In his welcoming address John Reid will outline his objective for the Defence Industrial Strategy and the importance of defence exports to both international security and the UK economy:  
 
“We know the challenges of today's strategic environment – international terrorism, proliferation of WMD, failed and failing states. We also have to understand how this environment will change in the future, not least to ensure our armed forces have the equipment capabilities they need.  
 
“Therefore earlier this year I commissioned the Defence Industrial Strategy which will build on the previously published Defence Industrial Policy. The Government intends to produce a clear joint statement to industry of the technologies & industrial capabilities which will be needed in the future to defend the UK and its interests. In producing the strategy we will consider which capabilities will need to be retained within the UK, those that we can develop with our allies and those that we are confident we can acquire from the global market.  
 
“I can assure you that the driver for this strategy will be our future defence capability. That means we will be very firm about proposals that are not based on this principle. All of us know that the primary purpose of the MoD is to provide fighting power, not jobs. It is not for us to artificially support industries for which we envisage no need. Of course, war winning capabilities have to be sustained in the longer as well as the short term. That's why we need a strategy.  
 
“So this strategy is about making sure our armed forces get the best equipment available – in the short, medium and long term – to fulfil the role set out in the strategic defence review. Whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere, our armed forces continue to do a first class job. We in Government have a duty to continue to equip them with what they need to get the job done.”  
 
“Military force is one of a number of tools for tackling threats like this, alongside foreign aid, international development and security sector reform. Agility, flexibility, speed and accuracy are more important than ever.  
 
“The Government recognises that all countries have the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. However, as many countries lack the indigenous defence industry to manufacture their own equipment, importing other countries' equipment represents their only realistic option to provide themselves with the necessary capability.”  
 
“I believe that Britain, as a major importer and exporter, is well placed to understand the interests and concerns of other trading countries. We aim to champion the case for more open defence markets.  
 
Background Notes and Information:
 
1. The DSEi event is taking place at the Excel Centre, London, from 13-16 September.  
 
2. Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Procurement, will be making a speech on the defence industrial strategy to the RUSI conference on Monday 12 September. This speech will be available on the DIS website after 5PM.