Security

Since the last review of Liberal Democrat defence and security policy in 2002 global security has continued to deteriorate presenting new challenges and threats for the UK at home and abroad. The rushed intervention in Iraq resulted in new regional security problems, and an extended commitment for both UK forces and overseas aid. The US invasion of Afghanistan has generated an increasing demand for UK security assistance and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa has also continued to grow. The Al-Qaeda threat in the UK and elsewhere from suicidal terrorism has not diminished either.

The response of the Government has been to develop a narrative of fear, arguing liberty must be sacrificed on the altar of security. Liberal Democrats believe that liberty, justice and the separation of powers are prerequisites for security, and that sacrificing liberties in the face of unconventional threats from criminals and terrorists will only serve to make Britain a weaker and less secure society.

Consequently there is a clear need for a strategic security review, considering both the role and functions of the armed forces and domestic and international security issues involving all departments with security related spending. Therefore, the FPC has commissioned this group to develop policies to ensure domestic and international security within the broader context of a liberal society based on the rule of law and individual liberty.

The working group should consider developing proposals to tackle the following issues:

• Ensuring a secure and liberal Britain:
  • Ensuring proper measures to protect the public without sacrificing liberty or justice.
  • Ensuring better co-operation between UK and foreign security and policing agencies.
  • Ensuring better joint working between all British government departments with security related spending – including FCO, HO, DFID and MOD, the police, and all relevant organisations.
  • Strengthening community relationships with the police and security services.
  • The balance between military and civilian security spending.
• Britain’s role in ensuring global security:
  • Improving international co-operation in security and politics.
  • Our approach to failed states.
  • The role of political and civil development.
  • International aid.
• Building on the work of the Trident Working Group in identifying future sources of global threat and preparing to meet them:
  • Future role of the military and operations.
  • The implications of climate change and other environmental issues for global security.

In considering these proposals the working group will have regard to the principles laid out in Trust in People.

The working group will be required to produce a consultation paper for the Spring 2008 Party conference and a policy paper for the Autumn 2008 Party conference of no more than 8,000 words.