Brits must 'actively prepare' for war on UK soil, chilling government strategy warns

The British public must "actively prepare" for war on UK soil, a grim new Government strategy warns.

The newly-published National Security Strategy warns the years ahead will test the nation - with a World War Two-style spirit needing to be mobilised. It states: "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."

Warning of hostile states acting within the UK, Keir Starmer said the country is in a period of "radical uncertainty". He has pledged to spend 5% of GDP on national security within a decade - a move the strategy says will draw together civilian and military priorities "in a way not seen since 1945".

The document says: "The years ahead will test the United Kingdom... The direction it takes – and the decisions we take – will reverberate through the decades.

"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 therebuilding of our country."

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