In a recent letter responding to an editorial on Britain’s fragile systems, Jean Coussins, a crossbench peer and chair of a House of Lords special inquiry committee on national resilience, has called for a fundamental shift in how the UK prepares for emergencies. She argues that the public must be better informed and actively engaged in a national resilience plan to counter growing threats from hybrid warfare, cyber-attacks, and climate change.
Current Vulnerabilities
Coussins highlights that the UK remains dangerously exposed to external shocks. These include cyber-attacks, extreme weather driven by climate change, and hostile state interference with democratic processes and critical national infrastructure. She notes that the traditional mantra of "keep calm and carry on" is insufficient for the 21st century. A modern plan must recognise the interconnectedness of threats: a single cyber-attack can rapidly escalate into power cuts, transport chaos, supply chain disruptions, and the collapse of public services.
The Reality of Hybrid Warfare
According to Coussins, hybrid warfare emanating from Russia, China, or Iran—in the form of cyber-attacks, disinformation, or sponsorship of proxy terrorist attacks—is already commonplace. She warns that if the UK faced an armed attack, its preparedness could appear threadbare, not only in terms of military resources but also in the whole-of-society approach to resilience. Evidence shows that the public expects threats to become more frequent, yet many do not know where to find clear, trusted guidance on practical steps to take.
Lessons from Nordic Countries
Coussins points to Nordic countries as exemplars in this area. Ambassadors from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark have described how every citizen is routinely prepared for emergencies. Their governments communicate candidly about risks, and the public response has been reassurance rather than alarm. Important information is distributed to every household and to businesses to help maintain supply chains and financial stability.
A Radical Change of Mindset
The work of the Lords committee offers an opportunity to achieve a similar radical change in mindset, where preparedness and resilience are normalised into everyday life. Coussins emphasises that the UK must move beyond outdated approaches and adopt a comprehensive strategy that involves all sectors of society. By learning from Nordic practices, the UK can build a more resilient nation capable of withstanding the complex threats of the modern world.
