The British government has issued a stark warning that the country must prepare for potential attacks on its own soil, as highlighted in its recent security strategy. This document emphasizes the increasing threats from Russia and Iran, suggesting the possibility of the UK becoming involved in a domestic conflict. The warning aligns with recent comments from Mark Rutte, NATO’s secretary general, who emphasized the need for increased defense spending in response to the growing threat from Russia. In response, Keir Starmer has promised to meet NATO’s target of spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.
The security strategy review underscores the significant threats posed by Russia’s military buildup and Iran’s systematic attacks on dissidents, suggesting that the country may find itself in a wartime scenario. The review specifically highlights the potential for disruption to the UK’s energy and supply chains, and the possibility of Russian submarines targeting undersea fiber-optic cables, which carry 99% of the country’s digital data.
Furthermore, the review notes Iran as a significant threat, particularly due to its alliance with Moscow and its intensified attacks on dissidents abroad. The document maintains a markedly different tone from the last major security review conducted by Boris Johnson’s government, which was largely focused on pandemic resilience and vaccine manufacturing, subjects that receive only brief mention in the current review.
Despite the growing concerns over China’s actions, the review does not detail the danger posed by China, following the completion of the government’s “China audit,” which will not be published in full. The review emphasizes the need for careful engagement with China to reduce the risks of misunderstandings and poor communication, though it acknowledges China’s increased espionage and interference in the UK’s democracy and economic security.
Critics of Beijing have voiced concerns over the lack of a more robust stance against China, with the shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, accusing the government of relying on China to bail out the UK economy. The government’s mixed approach towards addressing the complexities of the global security landscape presents a multimedia challenge in accurately conveying the severity and multifaceted nature of these threats.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/jun/24/britain-must-prepare-for-possibility-of-attack-on-uk-soil-government-warns
