The UK government has urged the nation to be prepared. Credit: Getty Images.
Labour ministers have urged the UK to prepare for possible direct threats to the homeland, including the risk of war.
In a new national security strategy released Tuesday, officials warned of rising global instability.
They cited aggressive actions from hostile nations and growing international tensions as key concerns.
The UK is entering an era of confrontation, the new national security strategy warns.
Russia’s war in Ukraine is cited as the most urgent threat, according to Birmingham Live.
“Some adversaries are laying the groundwork for future conflict,” the document states.
“They aim to disrupt our energy and supply chains to deter us from standing up to aggression.”
The strategy delivers a stark message:
“For the first time in many years, we must actively prepare for the UK homeland to face direct threat—possibly even in wartime.”
The warning comes amid growing fears of global conflict.
Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise, involving Israel, Hamas, Iran, and the U.S., alongside Russia’s war in Ukraine.
In response, the UK government urges citizens to prepare for emergencies through its UK Prepare website.
Though not predicting war, the advice stresses readiness for power, water, or supply chain disruptions.
Households should stock essential supplies.
Battery-powered or wind-up radios are among the top recommendations to receive updates during outages.
The government advises:
“Write down the frequencies of local and national radio stations.
You can add these to your household emergency plan.”
Other suggested items include:
– Bottled water
– Long-life foods (like canned goods)
– Flashlights with spare batteries
– Baby supplies (if needed)
– A basic first aid kit
The guidance also advises preparing a “grab bag” with essentials in case of sudden evacuation.
This should include personal documents, medication, warm clothes, and supplies for a few days away from home.
“If you’re forced to leave your home suddenly,” the guidance says,
“you won’t have time to gather items. A ready-to-go bag can save valuable time.”
Recommended grab bag items include:
– Battery or wind-up torch (safer than candles)
– Portable power bank for mobile phone charging
– Battery or wind-up radio (car radio works, but stay indoors in severe weather)
– Spare batteries for torches, radio, and any medical equipment
– First aid kit (plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash, sterile dressings, gloves, tape, tweezers)
– Hand sanitiser and wet wipes (in case water is off)
Bottled water:
– Minimum: 2.5–3 litres per person per day (per WHO survival guidance)
– Comfort/cooking/hygiene: 10 litres per person per day
– Extra for baby formula, medical needs, and pets
Food:
– Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (tinned meat, fruit, vegetables)
– Tin opener
– Pet food, if needed
– Baby supplies (nappies, ready-to-feed baby formula)
Officials emphasize these scenarios are still unlikely, especially war.
But building national resilience ensures people won’t be caught unprepared.
