A new government review has warned that the UK must be ready for a potential “wartime scenario” occurring on its own territory. The National Security Strategy, released on Tuesday, highlights growing global instability due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Russia’s war in Ukraine. The warning comes just two days after Iran threatened to strike UK military bases in response to a U.S. assault on its nuclear sites, prior to a ceasefire being declared last night.

‍

The report also advises that British citizens take part in “national resilience exercises” to help prepare for possible domestic attacks. The strategy acknowledges that there has been a pivotal shift in the national threat to the UK, saying: “For the first time in many years, we have to actively prepare for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario,”.

‍

‍

It added: “The years ahead will test the United Kingdom. The direction it takes and the decisions we take will reverberate through the decades.”

‍

The review identified Russia and Iran as key potential threats. Addressing the threat from Russia, the document said the UK is "in an era in which we face confrontation with those who are threatening security", highlighting Russia’s conflict with Ukraine as "the most obvious and pressing example of this". It also noted that Iran's "hostile activity" within the UK is on the rise. It stated that these actions are aimed at "silencing critics" and pose a "direct threat" to the country.

‍

The strategy emphasised that the UK will require “agility and courage” to overcome future challenges, but also expressed optimism, citing the “determination of the British people” as a source of strength. It then went on to say: “After all, we do not need to look too far into our history for an example of a whole-of-society effort, motivated by a collective will to keep each other safe. We can mobilise that spirit again and use it both for our national security and the building of our country.”

‍

‍

Cabinet minister Pat McFadden told Parliament that the nation must remain "clear-eyed and hard-edged" when confronting the threats it faces. During a visit to a NATO summit, Sir Keir Starmer announced plans to commit 5% of the UK’s GDP to defence and national security. Just hours after his statement, the government released its new strategy, warning of rising Russian cyberattacks, acts of sabotage, and growing hostile activity from Iran within the UK.

‍

The strategy also pledges a more “robust and consistent” approach in handling relations with China. Additionally, the government intends to run a cross-departmental exercise later this year to prepare for major crises, such as future pandemics.

‍