Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how the courses delivered by the Centre of Excellence for Human Security will be accredited.

In April 2019, the then Defence Secretary announced an outline plan for a Centre of Excellence on Human Security in Military Operations. An internal feasibility study outlined options for such a project but having reviewed these options, I believe this approach is an ineffective use of resources to deliver our intent and have taken a decision not to proceed with the centre.

In coming to this judgement, we are in no way seeking to divert effort from this key priority and under my direction, officials are developing a comprehensive programme to reinforce Human Security policy and deliver operational best practice.

Looking ahead, we will continue to expand our Human Security training programmes for UK and international personnel, delivered in the UK through the Defence Academy. Beginning in December we will roll out a new series of collaborative international training ventures in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, working with a wide-range of international partners.