General
Budget. The 2025 November budget introduced National Insurance Contributions (NICs) on Defined Contribution (DC) pensions: from Apr 29. Details can be found here.
US National Security Strategy. In Nov 25 the US published a security strategy characterised as a hemispherical Trump Corollary to the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, which can be read here.
NATO. On 11 Dec 25 The NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte gave a keynote speech warning of complacency in the face of the Russian threat and emphasising the all for one nature of Article 5. Members can read his speech here.
Russia. On 17 Dec President Putin spoke to the Russian Defence Board. Read his remarks here.
EU Council Meeting. On 18/19 Decemeber the European Council agreed to lend Ukraine €90 Bn. Members can read a summary at this link.
Chief’s Speeches. On 15 December 2025, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service (Chief SIS) gave speeches touching on sub threshold conflict, national unity and the Russian threat, which can be read at CDS Speech and Chief of SIS Speech.
Defence
Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body (AFPRB) Remit Letter. The Secretary of State submitted a formal request from the Secretary of State for Defence to the Chair of the Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body to commence the 2026 pay round. His letter can be read here.
Armed Forces Bill 2026. The renewal of the Armed Forces Act incudes provision for some aspects of the Armed Forces Covenant to be brought into law. See Armed Forces Bill 2026.
Troubles Bill. The Second reading of the Bill to amend the 2023 Act was passed by 320 to 105. Members can read the debate here: Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
Armed Forces Covenant Report. The report sets out major achievements of the Armed Forces Covenant and highlights remaining challenges and new commitments. Members can read the 2025 report here.
