UK needs to plan for war on its own soil, says government
For the first time in many years, active preparations need to be made for the possibility of the UK homeland coming under direct threat, potentially in a wartime scenario.
This is according to the government’s new National Strategy document, which was published on Tuesday (24 June).
“We are in an era in which we face confrontation with those who are threatening our security. The most obvious and pressing example of this is Russia in its illegal war against a European neighbour. Ukrainians are paying the ultimate price as they find themselves at the frontline of this confrontation,” it reads.
The document also notes that the likelihood of contingencies in which the UK may be asked, or choose, to confront threats by the use of military force is growing.
“We have seen groups like the Houthis threaten the essential principle of freedom of navigation with attacks on civilian shipping in the Red Sea, as well as on the allied navies there to protect them (leading to UK military action).
“Elements of the UK’s armed forces have been shifted into a state of heightened readiness on a number of occasions in different theatres. Therefore, greater vigilance in all domains will be essential to continue to deter those who seek to undermine our territorial security, such as in monitoring and countering the activities of Russian surveillance vessels in British waters.”
A war between major powers
The document notes further that warfare between major powers, an international security crisis, or a situation with multiple contingencies across different regions is an active possibility.
“Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached their highest levels for decades. The possibility of major confrontation in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, with dangerous and destabilising Chinese activity threatening international security. We have seen direct military conflict between Israel and Iran.
“This follows years of aggressive and destabilising activity by the Iranian regime, which has included activity specifically targeted against UK interests at home and overseas. Significant escalation in any of these theatres would have a profoundly negative impact on our energy security, the cost of living and our ability to grow our economy.”
