The UK is currently updating a key national strategy aimed at readying the entire country, including the armed forces, police, healthcare sector, and industry, for a potential shift to a wartime footing, as disclosed by the military’s top official.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton announced that the revised “Government War Book” will require a new approach to building resilience, drawing on lessons from the Cold War era and adapting them to today’s society and infrastructure.
During the London Defence Conference, Knighton also mentioned that the UK’s warning about potentially seizing vessels linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet” has already had an impact, with Moscow either escorting or redirecting these tankers away from UK waters, although some have been spotted near the coast. Despite no boarding operations yet, Knighton affirmed the military’s readiness to act.
An important challenge facing the military is the process of restoring the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force to a state of readiness after years of underinvestment post the Cold War. Although Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Defence Secretary John Healey have committed to increasing defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, a long-awaited 10-year Defence Investment Plan outlining future weapons and capabilities is still pending, causing uncertainty in the defense industry.
Knighton suggested that the delay in publishing the plan might be due to the Ministry of Defence seeking quicker access to additional funding from the Treasury. He emphasized the importance of having a well-funded and achievable plan, even if it takes more time to finalize.
Central to Knighton’s remarks was the effort led by the Cabinet Office to revive the government’s war book, a set of plans initially developed during the First World War to ensure the UK’s preparedness and resilience. Although the system was phased out after the Cold War due to maintenance costs, Knighton indicated its modernized revival.
He stressed the importance of NATO’s conflict transition concept, which includes both military and civilian aspects, emphasizing the need to strengthen critical infrastructure like energy, water, and transportation systems against not only natural disasters but also potential threats.
Knighton also highlighted the necessity of considering non-conventional warfare threats in future infrastructure enhancements, requiring different priorities and long-term planning across government. He underlined that the stability Britain has enjoyed over the past thirty years is facing growing challenges, underscoring the urgency of raising public awareness about potential threats and the role civilians can play in enhancing national resilience and supporting the armed forces.