National Security Strategy (Joint Committee)

This joint committee of both Houses scrutinises the delivery and implementation of the UK's National Security Strategy across all four pillars. It operates as a select committee in the Lords and takes oral evidence from government officials, security experts, and international witnesses. The committee has conducted sustained inquiry into the government's progress on NSS Pillar 1 (Resilience and Readiness), Pillar 2 (Nuclear deterrence), and Pillar 3 (Sovereign Capabilities), examining whether policy intentions translate into funded and resilient delivery mechanisms. Recent sessions have focused on China policy and security threats, with particular attention to espionage risks highlighted in evidence from Lords Hermer and Jones on Official Secrets Act enforcement. The committee has also widened its gaze to international dimensions, comparing societal resilience approaches in Taiwan and the Netherlands, and explored emerging threats to democratic integrity including cryptocurrency's role in political finance. Its work reflects concern that strategic commitments require sustained investment and institutional preparedness across civilian and defence sectors.