James Sunderland asks about role of new National Security Adviser

Speaking in the debate on the appointment of David Frost as the new National Security Adviser, James Sunderland asks about security considerations during the Brexit negotiations and the role he will have in the forthcoming Integrated Review.

James Sunderland (Bracknell) (Con)

Given the timing of David Frost’s appointment, could the Minister please outline the extent to which security considerations will be on the table during our Brexit negotiations and, in particular, on any role that David Frost might have in the forthcoming integrated review?

Michael Gove (The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office)

It is the case, as my hon. Friend rightly points out, that one aspect of our negotiations on our future relationship with the European Union relates to internal security as well as defence co-operation, and Mr Frost is well-equipped, well-briefed and authoritative on those issues. It is also the case that an integrated review of defence, aid and foreign policy will be carried out by the National Security Council. It will be the case that David Frost will lead on that, ably assisted by the two deputy national security advisers and, of course, ultimately accountable to the National Security Council itself, which is a Cabinet Committee.

Hansard