The Cityforum Podcast

This Cityforum Cyber Security podcast is introduced by Mike Steinmetz former State Cyber Security Officer and Homeland Security Adviser Rhode Island; Senior Adviser Cityforum.  The podcast follows on from the recent Cityforum Cyber Security Summit, which took place on 19 September.  Cityforum is very grateful to our three expert guest speakers:

•  Mr George Barnes former Deputy Director NSA
• Ms Elisabeth Braw Author Goodbye Globalization’; Member M&C Saatchi's Advisory Council; Senior Fellow Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security 
• The Hon James Langevin Former Congressman Rhode Island

This podcast discussion explores the evolving cybersecurity landscape, emphasising the rise of ransomware, supply chain attacks, and the role of artificial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the skills gap, advocating for diverse training paths and leveraging alternative routes into cyber roles.  

For more information about Cityforum please visit www.cityforum.co.uk 

Professor Sir David Omand interviews Rt Hon Mark Drakeford, former First Minister of Wales, exploring crisis management, devolution challenges, and long-term governance strategies, with a focus on the practical and in particular the human dimensions of resilience.  The discussion covers the COVID-19 response, UK resilience, volunteer mobilisation, leadership in a crisis, and Wales' innovative Future Generations Act.

This podcast forms part of the Cityforum Resilience series, and it follows the major two-day forum 'Towards a Blueprint for Resilience in 2035' which took place in May 2024.  The report, written by Stephen Hawker former Senior Member of the UK Intelligence & Security Community and Cityforum Associate project is available to read here:  CityforumA Blueprint for Resilience in 2035: Reflections on the Cityforum Conference, London, May 2024 by Stephen Hawker - Cityforum

The report and conclusions from the event are the focus of an end-of-series webinar, to be held on Thursday 18th July (10:00 – 12:30) – to register, please visit: A Blueprint for Resilience in 2035

Cityforum would like to thank the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser and The National Preparedness Commission for their support to this project.

In this inaugural episode of 2024, Cityforum and Defence Eye delve into the implications of the recent General Election on UK defence policy. Our expert panel, featuring Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham, Francis Tusa, and Tim Ripley, examines the urgent need for defence reform, the challenges of military modernisation, and the potential shifts in strategic priorities under the new government. From funding issues to force structure debates, we analyse what lies ahead for Britain's armed forces in an era of global uncertainty.

Show Notes

- 00:00 - Introduction and overview of the post-election defence landscape

- 02:45 - Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham introduces his paper "Defence in a Dangerous World"

- 07:53 - Discussion on overcoming bureaucratic inertia in defence reform

- 15:45 - Analysis of the new government's approach to defence spending and priorities

- 25:38 - Debate on the need for a new national service or conscription model

- 35:00 - Examination of the defence industry's role and challenges

- 45:00 - Discussion on improving sustainability and support for existing forces

- 55:19 - Concluding thoughts and key priorities for the new government

Participants

Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Joe Blackham, KCB

Sir Jeremy Blackham is a retired Royal Navy officer who served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet. With a naval career spanning from 1961 to 2002, he held various senior positions including Director of Naval Plans at the Ministry of Defence and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Equipment Capability). Post-retirement, he became the editor of The Naval Review and has been a vocal commentator on defence issues.  Jeremy is a Cityforum Associate.  

Francis Tusa

Francis Tusa is a Co-Editor of Defence Eye - the new online platform for UK Defence News.  Francis is a seasoned defence journalist and analyst with over 35 years of experience. He founded Defence Analysis, a newsletter providing comprehensive data and analysis on defence budgets and global markets. Tusa regularly contributes to major publications and media outlets, offering insights on UK and international defence matters.

Tim Ripley

Tim Ripley is a Co-Editor of Defence Eye - the new online platform for UK Defence News.  Tim is a veteran defence journalist with over 30 years of experience covering British defence issues. He has authored more than 20 books on defence technology and military history. Ripley's expertise spans UK defence policy, procurement, and operations, making him a respected figure in defence journalism.

Follow Defence Policy at www.cityforum.co.uk and www.defenceeye.co.uk 

Tags and Categories

- Categories: News & Politics, Government, Military

- Tags: UK Defence, Military Reform, Post-Election Analysi

rofessor Paul Cornish, Chief Strategist, Cityforum and Air Marshal Richard Knighton, Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff, Financial & Military Capability discuss 'Covid-19 - People, Technology & Organisation':

-  What are the challenges for the MoD?
-  How have priorities changed?
-  How can the MoD gain most from the Fourth Industrial Revolution?

Followed by a comment from Ben Hudson, Chief Technology Officer, BAE Systems.

This podcast forms part of Cityforum's Intelligent Defence Series 'Reimagining British Defence 2020 - 2030':  https://www.cityforum.co.uk/event/rei...

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