Gov.uk describes itself as "the best place to find government services and information." In reality, the UK government blended together the content from a large number of government websites, which in their own rights required a dedicate and independent online presence. As a result, you can only find information using Gov.uk via searches, but the quality of the search returns is poor or limited at best.

The business of Parliament takes place in two Houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The origins of Parliament go back to the 13th century. Today, Parliament's main roles are: 1) Examining and challenging the work of the government (scrutiny); 2) Debating and passing all laws (legislation); and 3 Enabling the government to raise taxes.

» Commons Defence Select Committee: The Committee is appointed by the House of Commons to examine the expenditure, administration, and policy of the Ministry of Defence and its associated public bodies.

» Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee. The Committee's remit is to examine administration and policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and is responsible for UK participation in international and regional multilateral organisations.

» Committees on Arms Export Controls (CAEC): The Committees on have worked together since 1999 to examine the Government's expenditure, administration and policy on strategic exports, that is the licensing of arms exports and other controlled goods.

» Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC): ISC examines the policy and administration of the Security Service, Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), and the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ). and provides oversight of Defence Intelligence in the Ministry of Defence and the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism in the Home Office.

FCO is now covered by Gov.uk. Mission Statement: The FCO promotes the United Kingdom's interests overseas, supporting our citizens and businesses around the globe.

MOD is now covered by Gov.uk. Mission Statement: We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.

— Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC) | Previous URL no longer active: http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/microsite/dcdc/

DCDC is now covered by Gov.uk. Established as a result of the 1998 Strategic Defence Review, DCDC is a Ministry of Defence think tank, located within the Defence Academy site at Shrivenham, near Swindon. They produce concepts and doctrine, underpinned by thorough research and experimentation, for defence. This helps to inform decision makers in defence strategy, capability development and operations. It also provides the foundation for joint education.

Mission Statement: The Security Service is responsible for protecting the UK against threats to national security from espionage, terrorism and sabotage, from the activities of agents of foreign powers, and from actions intended to overthrow or undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means.

» The Threats > Terrorism

» The Threats > Espionage

» The Threats > Proliferation of WMD

» The Threats > Cyber

Mission Statement: SIS collects secret intelligence and mounts covert operations overseas in support of British Government objectives. The parameters for these activities are laid down in the Intelligence Services Act 1994, which states that SIS functions are to obtain and provide information and perform other tasks relating to the acts and intentions of persons overseas: In the interests of national security, with particular reference to the government's defence and foreign policies; in the interests of the economic well-being of the UK; and in support of the prevention or detection of serious crime.

» Counter terrorism

» Counter proliferation

» Cyber security

» Instability and conflict overseas

SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. We are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Our mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively; to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service. Our remit covers the United Kingdom..

» SIA licensing

» SIA Approved Contractor Scheme

Instruments related to the regulation of PMCs / PSCs is available at the LEGAL (UK) page