UK Rapidly Develops Nationwide Plans to Prepare for Possible War
The United Kingdom is rapidly developing comprehensive plans to prepare the entire country for the potential outbreak of war, according to Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, amid growing security threats across Europe.
Speaking on the UK’s defence posture, Carns warned that the “shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door once more”, stressing the need for urgent national readiness to deter future conflict.
Civil Society Will Play a Key Role in Any Conflict
Highlighting the importance of civilian involvement, Carns said that while armies, navies, and air forces respond to crises, it is societies, industries, and economies that ultimately win wars.
He emphasized that preparation must extend beyond the military, involving the whole of society in understanding its role during a major conflict.
“We’ve got to be prepared to deter it. That’s the reality,” Carns said.
NATO Warns Europe to Prepare for Large-Scale Conflict
The comments follow a warning from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who told allies that Europe must prepare for a confrontation with Russia on a scale comparable to the First and Second World Wars.
The warning reflects growing concern among Western allies about escalating geopolitical tensions and long-term security risks.
Hostile Intelligence Activity Against the UK Surges
Britain revealed that hostile intelligence activity targeting the UK’s armed forces and the Ministry of Defence has increased by more than 50% over the past year.
Activities include:
- Espionage
- Cyberattacks
- Physical threats
Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are suspected of being the primary sources of these hostile actions.
New Military Intelligence Unit Launched
In response, the UK government is launching a new defence counter-intelligence unit to strengthen its ability to detect and disrupt foreign intelligence operations.
The Ministry of Defence is also consolidating intelligence branches from the army, navy, and air force, along with Defence Intelligence, into a new organisation named the Military Intelligence Services—sharing the familiar “MI” initials used by MI5 and MI6.
Preparing the Public for Potential Sacrifice
Asked whether the British public is sufficiently informed about the sacrifices a war could demand, Carns said work is underway across government departments to develop a “whole-of-society approach” to conflict preparedness.
This includes planning for:
- National mobilisation
- Protection of UK territory
- Civilian roles during wartime
The UK previously maintained a detailed Government War Book, outlining wartime responsibilities for every sector of society. Though shelved after the Cold War, officials suggest a modern version may return.
Government Aims to Raise Public Awareness Without Fear
Carns noted that many people in the UK do not fully feel the impact of global conflicts, despite rising fuel costs linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We need to help people understand the threats — not to scare them, but to be realistic,” he said, adding that national defence requires a unified societal effort.UK Rapidly Develops Nationwide Plans to Prepare for Possible War
London — The United Kingdom is rapidly developing comprehensive plans to prepare the entire country for the potential outbreak of war, according to Armed Forces Minister Al Carns, amid growing security threats across Europe.
Speaking on the UK’s defence posture, Carns warned that the “shadow of war is knocking on Europe’s door once more”, stressing the need for urgent national readiness to deter future conflict.
Civil Society Will Play a Key Role in Any Conflict
Highlighting the importance of civilian involvement, Carns said that while armies, navies, and air forces respond to crises, it is societies, industries, and economies that ultimately win wars.
He emphasized that preparation must extend beyond the military, involving the whole of society in understanding its role during a major conflict.
“We’ve got to be prepared to deter it. That’s the reality,” Carns said.
NATO Warns Europe to Prepare for Large-Scale Conflict
The comments follow a warning from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who told allies that Europe must prepare for a confrontation with Russia on a scale comparable to the First and Second World Wars.
The warning reflects growing concern among Western allies about escalating geopolitical tensions and long-term security risks.
Hostile Intelligence Activity Against the UK Surges
Britain revealed that hostile intelligence activity targeting the UK’s armed forces and the Ministry of Defence has increased by more than 50% over the past year.
Activities include:
- Espionage
- Cyberattacks
- Physical threats
Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are suspected of being the primary sources of these hostile actions.
New Military Intelligence Unit Launched
In response, the UK government is launching a new defence counter-intelligence unit to strengthen its ability to detect and disrupt foreign intelligence operations.
The Ministry of Defence is also consolidating intelligence branches from the army, navy, and air force, along with Defence Intelligence, into a new organisation named the Military Intelligence Services—sharing the familiar “MI” initials used by MI5 and MI6.
Preparing the Public for Potential Sacrifice
Asked whether the British public is sufficiently informed about the sacrifices a war could demand, Carns said work is underway across government departments to develop a “whole-of-society approach” to conflict preparedness.
This includes planning for:
- National mobilisation
- Protection of UK territory
- Civilian roles during wartime
The UK previously maintained a detailed Government War Book, outlining wartime responsibilities for every sector of society. Though shelved after the Cold War, officials suggest a modern version may return.
Government Aims to Raise Public Awareness Without Fear
Carns noted that many people in the UK do not fully feel the impact of global conflicts, despite rising fuel costs linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We need to help people understand the threats — not to scare them, but to be realistic,” he said, adding that national defence requires a unified societal effort.
