Angus Lapsley to advise UK defence policy after MoD files incident

Angus Lapsley, a civil servant and Nato's assistant secretary general for defence policy and planning, has been appointed to advise on the UK government's defence policy review following an incident where he mislaid classified Ministry of Defence documents. These papers, which included sensitive information regarding military strategies and potential Russian reactions, were discovered at a bus stop in Kent. The review team will be led by George Robertson, a former Nato secretary general, and will include notable figures such as Fiona Hill and Gen Sir Richard Barrons. The strategic defence review aims to address the urgent threats facing the UK and is expected to report in the first half of the upcoming year. The review will consider input from a diverse group of stakeholders, including serving and retired military personnel, defence contractors, and academics, who have until the end of the month to submit their insights. Lapsley’s extensive experience from his previous roles at the Foreign Office and Nato is seen as a valuable asset for the review. The inclusion of various experts, such as Grace Cassy and Jean-Christophe Gray, highlights the government's commitment to a comprehensive evaluation of the current defence landscape. The review is intended to deliver a clear vision for UK defence, addressing profound challenges and ensuring that the country is adequately prepared to counter emerging threats. The incident involving Lapsley has raised questions about information security, but his appointment reflects a focus on leveraging expertise to enhance national security.