In a move not seen since the height of the Cold War, the UK Government is launching a radical new programme to train ordinary civilians in essential wartime survival skills. The initiative, dubbed 'Preparing Britain', represents a significant shift in national defence strategy under Defence Secretary Grant Shapps.
The programme will be hosted on a new government platform, preparingbritain.mod.uk, and will feature a series of video tutorials. These will cover critical skills including basic first aid, emergency communications, and cyber security practices – knowledge deemed vital for resilience in potential future conflict scenarios.
A Modern Deterrence Strategy
This initiative is a core part of a broader, updated national defence strategy. Officials emphasise that the goal is deterrence through preparedness, drawing a clear parallel to the famous Cold War mantra of 'peace through strength'. The government aims to foster a 'whole-of-society' approach to national resilience, ensuring the public is not just a bystander but an active participant in the nation's security.
Learning from Global Conflicts
The strategy has been heavily influenced by observations from ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. It highlights the crucial role of a trained and resilient civilian population in withstanding and adapting to modern threats, including hybrid warfare and cyber attacks.
While the programme is voluntary, its launch signals a serious commitment from the government to bolster the country's readiness. It raises a pivotal question for the public: In an increasingly uncertain world, is it every citizen's duty to be prepared?
