The UK must urgently develop a wartime preparedness plan to counter potential direct attacks, the government has warned. In a stark national security strategy, officials highlighted rising threats from hostile states, citing Russia’s war in Ukraine and Iranian espionage on British soil.
The strategy document declares the UK faces unprecedented risks, including sabotage, cyberattacks, and supply chain disruptions. It calls for an “all-of-society effort” to bolster defenses, emphasizing that critical infrastructure like undersea cables remains a prime target for adversaries.
Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden stressed the need for a “clear-eyed” approach, announcing £1 billion for biosecurity centers to counter biological threats. The wartime preparedness plan also prioritizes stronger borders, AI development, and domestic nuclear and shipbuilding capabilities.
The warning coincides with a pivotal NATO summit, where members including the UK pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized collective security, but experts question whether funding will match ambitions.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy later addressed Parliament on China policy, labeling Beijing a “sophisticated and persistent threat.” While advocating cautious engagement, he vowed not to compromise national security a stance critics called vague.
The strategy warns that hostile nations are exploiting social divisions through disinformation, targeting generational and ethnic tensions. McFadden urged unity, stating, “We will have to pull together.” Yet opposition MPs accused the government of lacking concrete measures, particularly regarding economic reliance on China.
With the wartime preparedness plan now public, the focus shifts to implementation. Can the UK fortify its defenses fast enough? As global instability grows, the answer may define Britain’s security for decades.
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