UK Defence Forum
Set up in 1996, the UK Defence Forum claims that it 'exists to enable politicians, industrialists, members of the armed forces, academics and others with an interest in defence and security issues to exchange information and views on the future needs of Britain's defence'.[1]
In fact the forum is a lobbying front group with links to the lobbying firm Sovereign Strategy, for which editorial adviser Lord Moonie works.
Contents
Cover story
According to its website in December 2007:
- Put at its simplest, the Forum looks at where future wars may break out, why, and what the UK should do about it, and how industry would be affected. The Forum represents an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to meet politicians, including those in Government, and to exchange information with them and others interested in defence and security. Papers are delivered by politicians, civil servants or industrialists. From the point of view of politicians, they are able to obtain insights into matters of mutual concern. Some of the papers after moderating are placed in the public domain.
- The UK Defence Forum meets on a regular basis in London: meetings are attended by politicians, academic, senior industrialists, and military members. The Forum is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organisation, based in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Supporters and benefits
Since 1996 UKDF says it has received contributions from the following companies for its activities:
- Aspire Defence, BAE Systems, Babcock, Benromach Distillery, Berwin Leighton Paisner, Boeing, Capita Symonds, Carillion, Cockburn & Cambell Wines, Dalwhinnie United Distillers, EADS, EDS, Finmeccanica, G4S Government Services, General Dynamics, Hiberna]], Holdfast, HP, Johnny Walker, KBR, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Manroy, Marshalls, Maersk, NDI, NewsDesk Media, Nexter, Northrop Grumman, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, QinetiQ, Raytheon, Rolls-Royce, Selex, Shepherd Neame, Smiths Detection, Thales, University of Warwick, Virgin Atlantic, VT Group, Worshipful Companies of Lightmongers; Armourers and Brasiers; Tinplate Workers; Young's Brewery, as well as generous private individuals. [2]
Activities
Kevan Jones MP reports in the Register of members Interests: '24-28 July 2005, to Washington DC, to meet congressional and business interests and British diplomats, to discuss UK/US defence trade, especially current technology transfer issues and UK/US defence policy. My flights and accommodation were paid for by the UK Defence Forum. (Registered 19 August 2005)'
The UK Defence Forum is listed as having sponsored the Labour Party in 1997 in excess of £5,000[3]
People
Patrons
- The Rt Hon Dr David Clark, Baron Clark of Windermere,
- The Rt Hon Menzies Campbell CBE QC MP,
- The Rt Hon Tom King, Baron King of Bridgwater,
- General Charles Guthrie, Baron Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB OBE
- Air Marshal Lord Garden KCB
- Rt Hon Lord Hamilton of Epsom
- Lord Moonie
- Sir Kevin Tebbit KCB CMG
- Admiral Lord Boyce GCB OBE DL
- Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington QPM
As at May 2013 patrons also included:
- Baroness Garden of Frognal
- Air Chief Marshal Lord Stirrup GCB AFC ADC DSc
- Rt Hon Baroness Taylor of Bolton
- Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP
- Sir Nick Harvey MP
- Sir Gerald Howarth MP
Affiliations
- All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces - According to the All-Party Register, the UK Defence Forum 'provides administrative assistance, including arrangement of dinners, ‘Welcome Homes’ and other events. £8500 from Babcock International, £8300 from BAE Systems, £7500 from Finmaccanica, £2500 from Inchcape Shipping Services (registered October 2012). £2000 from Lockheed Martin, £7900 from Boeing, £400 from BAE Systems, £2200 from HP (registered February 2013). [4] Lord Moonie and Sir [[Bob Russell] are co-treasurers of the APPG, which is chaired by Conservative James Gray.
