Prospect, the union representing more than 6,000 scientists and researchers in MOD and QinetiQ, said today’s report on the Defence Industrial Strategy from the defence select committee was a ‘wake-up call’ to the UK government.

National secretary Steve Jary said: "MPs have exposed the damaging cutbacks to research and development on which MOD has been intent for the last decade.

"These will ultimately result not just in lower quality equipment, as the committee warns, but in loss of lives on the front line.

"This failing is not adequately covered by the DIS although research is a key investment for the future. We call on MOD to act now on the committee’s recommendation that MOD must address the level of spending on defence research in its Technology Strategy later this year."

Jary accepted that the retention of research skills would cost money, but said that MPs had agreed it was vital that MOD negotiated with the Treasury for adequate funding in the Comprehensive Spending Review later this year.

Jary also welcomed the committee’s concerns about the potential closure of the Bridgwater and Chorley Royal Ordnance Factories, and its warning that the UK should never be in a position where it cannot guarantee security of supply of general munitions.

Finally, Prospect welcomed the committee’s finding that there had been a lack of consultation with MOD trade unions over the formulation of the DIS: "We heartily endorse the committee’s view that MOD must consult more fully on the DIS if it is to win the backing of staff as the strategy is taken forward," said Jary.