Labour ministers have urged the UK to brace for the possibility of direct threats to the homeland, warning that the country must be ready for scenarios that could include war.
In a newly released national security strategy - published on Tuesday - officials said Britain is now entering a period of heightened global instability, marked by aggressive moves from hostile nations and increasing international tensions.
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"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," the strategy outlines, via Birmingham Live. “Meanwhile, some adversaries are laying the foundations for future conflict, positioning themselves to move quickly to cause major disruption to our energy and or supply chains, to deter us from standing up to their aggression.”
The document delivers one of the starkest warnings yet about the UK's vulnerability, stating: “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.”
The warning comes amid growing fears of a wider global conflict, driven by escalating violence in the Middle East involving Israel, Hamas, Iran, and the United States, alongside Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
In response, the UK government is encouraging the public to be prepared for emergencies (both natural and man-made) through its UK Prepare website. While not predicting a war, the advice underscores the importance of readiness in the face of possible disruptions to power, water, and supply chains.
Households are advised to stock essential items, particularly those that can be useful during power outages. One of the most widely discussed items is a battery-powered or wind-up radios to receive news and emergency updates.
The UK government writes: "There might be updates communicated by radio during a power cut. A car radio can be used, however in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside. Write down on paper the frequencies of any local or national radio stations you use for news updates. You could add these to your household emergency plan."
Other suggestions include bottled water and long-life food such as canned goods, flashlights with spare batteries, baby supplies (if needed), and a basic first aid kit.
The guidance also suggests creating a "grab bag" with essential items that can be quickly taken if an evacuation is necessary. This should include personal documents, medication, warm clothing, and any supplies needed for a few days away from home.
“If you're forced to leave your home suddenly,” the advice says, “you won't have time to gather items. A ready-to-go bag can save valuable time.”
A full list can be seen below:
- Battery or wind-up torch (safer than candles)
- Portable power bank for charging your mobile phone
- Battery or wind-up radio for updates during a power cut (car radio can be used but safer to stay indoors in severe weather)
- Spare batteries for torches, radio, and backup battery for any medical equipment you rely on
- First aid kit (or items like waterproof plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape, tweezers)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene if the water is off
- Bottled water:
- Minimum of 2.5–3 litres per person per day for survival (WHO guidance)
- 10 litres per person per day for comfort, cooking, and hygiene
- Additional water for baby formula, medical devices, and pets
- Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (tinned meat, fruit, vegetables, plus a tin opener)
- Pet food if applicable
- Baby supplies such as nappies and ready-made or ‘ready-to-feed’ baby formula
Officials stress that while emergency scenarios remain unlikely - especially that of a war - the goal is to build national resilience and ensure the public is not caught unprepared.