The UK is set to significantly enhance its security measures in readiness for potential war, terrorism, cyber assaults, and organised crime. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered an extensive review of the nation’s protection protocols in the wake of growing dangers both domestically and internationally.
This escalation in security efforts coincides with MI5’s cautioning that a terrorist attack is “likely,” ongoing strife in Europe involving Ukraine and Russia, Israel’s conflicts in the Middle East, and foreign cyber and espionage activities, reports the Mirror.
While unveiling the new strategy, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the critical threats facing the country, stating: “Russian aggression menaces our continent. Strategic competition is intensifying. Extremist ideologies are on the rise. Technology is transforming the nature of both war and domestic security. Hostile state activity takes place on British soil.”
He continued: “It is an era of radical uncertainty, and we must navigate it with agility, speed, and a clear-eyed sense of the national interest.”
The strategy document draws inspiration from the World War II ethos, rallying citizens to confront forthcoming challenges with optimism but also acknowledging: “The years ahead will test the UK… We will need agility and courage to succeed, but we should be optimistic.
“We remain a resolute country, rich in history, values and in our capabilities. But most of all, there is the determination of the British people themselves. After all, we do not need to look too far into our history for an example of a whole-of-society effort, motivated by a collective will to keep each other safe. We can mobilise that spirit again and use it both for our national security and the rebuilding of our country.”
The new National Security Strategy has identified several key threats:
Nuclear war
With nuclear war identified as a primary concern, the strategy points out the shortcomings of arms control measures in halting nuclear proliferation. This alarm is underscored by Iran’s potential ambitions for nuclear armament.
Additionally, there is apprehension over Russia seeking to expand its military reach, which could pose a direct threat to the UK. The strengthening alliance between China, with its own burgeoning nuclear arsenal, alongside Russia, Iran and even North Korea, also emerges as an escalating risk to Western security.
The report clarifies: “The threat to the UK and our allies from nuclear weapons is once again growing. Tackling this challenge is likely to be more complex than it was even in the Cold War, with more states with more nuclear weapons, the further proliferation of nuclear and disruptive technology and the failure of international arms control arrangements to keep pace.”
International war
The document cautions: “…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. 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 government warns that wars between major states abroad could have a devastating ripple effect on British citizens, stating “Warfare between major powers, an international security crisis, or a situation with multiple-contingencies across different regions, is an active possibility.”
It underscores the “tensions between India and Pakistan” reaching “their highest levels for decades”.
It also notes: “We have seen direct military conflict between Israel and Iran. This follows years of aggressive and destabilising activity by the Iranian regime which has included activity specifically targeted against UK interests at home and overseas.
“Significant escalation in any of these theatres would have a profoundly negative impact on our energy security, the cost of living and our ability to grow our economy.”
Hostile states and crime
Amid mounting concerns, there’s a fear that hostile nations could exploit criminals within the UK as the distinction between state-backed terrorism or espionage and criminal activity grows increasingly murky. The report cautions: “It may become more difficult to identify hostile state activity as they make use of terrorist and criminal groups as their proxies.”
The report also highlights our growing dependence on data centres and other digital infrastructure, which escalates our exposure to cyber attacks. The Mirror has been informed that Russia and Iran are particularly leaning towards engaging criminal networks to carry out attacks from a distance, especially targeting the UK.
A source revealed to us: “Both Russia and Iran are very motivated to launching sabotage, espionage or physical threats to life missions within Britain. Employing the use of criminals is cheaper and less long-term than using highly-trained operatives such as special forces or intelligence officers. It also gives hostile states deniability.”
Artificial intelligence (AI)
The advancement of AI and novel technologies is ringing alarm bells too. The document indicates that hypersonic missiles and AI-augmented systems will pose greater challenges than current weapon stocks.
Moreover, it alerts: “Technology will also create new vulnerabilities and change the character of conflict.”
China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia are reportedly advancing their AI capabilities to deploy drone “swarms” for offensive operations. These drones, programmed for combat, could prove exceptionally challenging to neutralise if they attack in vast numbers, guided by swift-reacting artificial intelligence.
New chemical, biological weapons and lightning-fast missiles
The report also highlights the potential emergence of new chemical and biological weapons, as well as hypersonic missiles and AI-augmented systems. It cautions that Britain must gear up to counter these formidable new armaments, stating: “New chemical and biological weapons may be developed and proliferate. Hypersonic missiles and AI-enhanced systems will be supplemented by mass-produced, low sophistication capabilities like drones.”
It further notes that such technologies might become accessible to a broader array of adversaries, thereby complicating established notions of deterrence and escalation.
The study also raises alarms about the increased likelihood of attacks by radicalised entities or solitary aggressors. It underscores the evolving threat from terrorists, criminals, and lone actors, which is expected to grow as instability abroad fuels radicalisation and extremism within the UK.
The document warns: “Ungoverned spaces in the Middle East and North Africa will accentuate these challenges, along with illegal migration.
“Terrorism – from Islamist and Extreme Right Wing ideologies – will remain a persistent, and diversifying threat. The number of vulnerable young people who are desensitised, exploited and radicalised online is likely to increase, alongside more individuals who are fixated by extreme violence.”
The document cautions: “Threats to the homeland from state actors are increasing. “The UK is directly threatened by hostile activities including assassination, intimidation, espionage, sabotage, cyber attacks and other forms of democratic interference. These have targeted our citizens, institutions, journalists, universities and businesses.
“Adversaries threaten societal cohesion and seek to erode public trust through the spread of disinformation, malign use of social media and stoking tensions between generations, genders and ethnic groups.Russian warships have attempted to map out North Sea underwater cables linking internet communication between the UK, Europe and America in preparation for sabotage attacks. The document states:”Meanwhile, critical national infrastructure – including undersea cables, energy pipelines, transportation and logistics hubs – will continue to be a target. “It may become more difficult to identify hostile state activity as they make use of terrorist and criminal groups as their proxies. Our reliance on data centres and other forms of digital infrastructure will also increase vulnerabilities to cyber attack.”
Cyber attacks and cyber security
Organised crime groups, some of which have ties to hostile nations, are estimated to launder approximately £100 billion through the UK or UK-based corporate structures each year, with a portion of this activity taking place online. A notable example of the devastating impact of cybercrime is the Wannacry hackers’ attack on the NHS, which resulted in an estimated £92 million in damages and the cancellation of 19,000 medical appointments.
In the past year alone, over 40% of businesses in the UK reported falling victim to a cyber security breach or attack. Furthermore, the total cost of fraud perpetrated against individuals was estimated to be at least £6.6 billion.
Climate change
Regions such as the semi-arid Sahel region in Africa, which spans from Senegal on the Atlantic coast to Sudan on the Red Sea, are grappling with severe water scarcity. Sources from the Mirror have disclosed that this area is plagued by drought, desertification, poverty, and conflict.
The presence of terrorist organisations like al-Qaeda and Islamic State has further destabilised the region, leading to a significant influx of refugees fleeing the country and placing additional pressure on Europe.
The newly released document cautions: “We will have to contend with the effects of climate change and potential ecosystem collapse, biological threats, demographic shifts, continued urbanisation, threats to human health, slow economic growth, inequality, and competition for basic resources, including food and water.”
It also asserts: “Alongside our international partners, we are taking action to deliver secure energy, financial security and green growth at home, restoring the UK’s position as a climate leader on the world stage.”