Defence & Security Practice

Arden’s Defence and Security Practice brings together an accomplished team of advisors with unrivalled experience, insight and knowledge of the UK’s defence and security environment. At a time of significant change for defence and security, our team will support clients to successfully navigate politics and policy in the UK.

Chaired by Dr Karin von Hippel, who served as Director General of RUSI for almost a decade after a distinguished career in the US State Department, which included a spell as Chief of Staff to General John Allen, Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter-ISIL. A former senior research fellow at the Centre for Defence Studies, King’s College London and with direct experience in over two dozen conflict zones, Karin is recognised as one of the foremost thought-leaders on geopolitics, defence and security.

Karin will be supported by Arden’s Founder, Rt Hon Jim Murphy, a former Labour Cabinet Minister and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, and Holly Lynch, a former Labour Shadow Security Minister. They are complemented by a team of senior advisors and policy experts with experience advising the current Secretary of State for Defence and Home Secretary, as well as a former Chair of the Defence Select Committee.

Arden’s defence clients include those who are long established in the UK and others who are new entrants to the UK and European defence markets. We support clients as they navigate a rapidly evolving defence and security landscape, helping them engage effectively with the Government’s personalities and policies.

We support clients by providing:

  • Senior counsel and advice to enable successful engagement with government.
  • Insights and analysis into the political and defence policy landscape impacting defence and security companies.
  • Geopolitical analysis to understand global trends and their implications for UK defence and security policy.
  • Messaging sessions to ensure narrative alignment with government priorities.
  • Detailed stakeholder mapping and analysis of the significant influencers on defence and security policy.
  • Advice to build and maintain meaningful relationships in today’s political landscape.
  • Engagement activity with a network of influencers, including think-tanks and pressure groups.
  • Thought-leadership support to boost clients’ policy impact.
  • Political monitoring and horizon-scanning paired with insightful analysis of the latest developments, including potential challenges and opportunities.
  • Select Committee training to ensure appearances and evidence have maximum impact.
  • Media support to deliver strategic communications campaigns and thought-leadership impact.
  • Access to our team of Social Value experts to refresh and leverage their social value offering, particularly on the economic and regional contribution of UK defence.

Our Defence & Security Practice

Holly Lynch
Senior Counsel
Holly served as Labour MP for Halifax from 2015-2024. She served in a range of front-bench roles including as Shadow Minister for National Security (2020-23), giving her unique insight into the UK’s security landscape. She also served as Deputy Chief Whip and was a member of key Select Committees during her time as a Labour MP, including the Home Affairs Committee. Holly’s experience and policy knowledge, combined with her deep understanding of Labour’s personalities and dynamics, enables her to provide trusted senior counsel to Arden’s clients.
Adam Scott
Director
Adam has eight years of experience in Westminster, gaining extensive knowledge in briefing and advising Labour Shadow Secretaries of State on a broad spectrum of policy areas, including current Defence Secretary, John Healey. His expertise and strategic insights were instrumental in influencing the development of two Labour general election manifestos, showcasing his ability to shape policy at the highest levels. Adam provides unique insight into the personalities and priorities shaping Labour’s approach to defence and security.

Contact ARDEN

For press enquiries please contact [email protected]. For all other enquiries please fill out the form below, and we will be in touch shortly.

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book an event

All of the events listed below will take place in our lounge on Level 2 of the ECL (next to the entrance to the link bridge) unless stated otherwise in the event description. 

Please note that as our lounge is inside the secure zone and you need a conference pass to attend these events. 

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book a table

We have a limited number of two and four person tables available to reserve in our lounge. Our conference lounge is the most prestigious lounge at Labour Party Conference venue, and is the ideal space for your informal meetings.

If you would like to reserve a table in our lounge, please use the booking form below.

Please note that due to high demand for this space, bookings are limited to one table per person per day. If you would like to make additional reservations please contact your account manager or email [email protected]

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By providing your information, you are agreeing that we can use it to contact you. For more information please see our privacy policy.

book a table

We have a limited number of two and four person tables available to reserve in our lounge. Our conference lounge is the most prestigious lounge at Labour Party Conference venue, and is the ideal space for your informal meetings.

Please note that due to high demand for this space, bookings are limited to one table per person per day. If you would like to make additional reservations please contact your account manager or email [email protected]

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By providing your information, you are agreeing that we can use it to contact you. For more information please see our privacy policy.