Britain to stage its biggest EVER war simulation to ensure whole country ‘is ready’

Britain is to stage its biggest ever war simulation to ensure the whole country is "ready" in case of an attack.

The aim of the simulation is to prepare the country for war.

Alongside the simulation will be a public campaign to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the nation.

Darren Jones, Chief Secretary to Sir Keir Starmer, said: "This will ensure that should the worst ever happen, we will always be ready."

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In a statement published today, Mr Jones outlined various Government initiatives as part of their commitment to update Parliament with an annual overview of the UK's resilience.

Among the initiatives was the simulation, planned for next year, where the Government would simulate a "hybrid" conflict with a foreign adversary.

Involved in the simulation will be hundreds of officials from across Government departments, as well as ministers.

Named Operation Albiston Shadow, the exercise will test the Government's preparedness for attacks against the UK, which will complement Nato's similar exercise, known as CMX27.

This comes as there are growing concerns of a Russian attack on a Nato country as its military regularly breaches the alliance's airspace.

Mr Jones told MPs there would also be a "national resilience public awareness campaign".

Its aim, he said, is to help people understand simple measures they can take ahead of potential disruption.

Among the risks cited was a cyber attack capable of knocking out power, water, phone signal or access to local food shops.

Officials told the Telegraph schools and colleges would also receive new guidance on teaching children how to stay safe during emergencies.

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The move follows warnings set out in last year's Strategic Defence Review, which found the UK was already facing daily attacks in the form of espionage, cyber threats, and disinformation campaigns from hostile states, among them Russia and Iran.

In the review, it warned Vladimir Putin had shown he was prepared to use military force, harm civilians and raise the prospect of nuclear warfare.

The Government has also revised the National Risk Register, the public document setting out the "reasonable worst case scenarios" the UK could face.

It now includes foreign interference in British democracy as a listed threat, for the first time, alongside cyber attacks targeting data systems, water infrastructure and police networks.

Details of the risk posed by a nuclear strike on the UK mainland remain classified and are not included in the published register.

The specific advice to be issued to the public has not yet been released, but is expected to draw on measures already adopted elsewhere in Europe.

Sweden has told households to stockpile food and water and to keep warm clothing and a battery-powered radio on hand in case of power cuts.

Norway has recommended stocking iodine tablets for use in a nuclear emergency, while Germans have been encouraged to convert cellars into makeshift bunkers.

The EU last year advised citizens to keep a 72-hour emergency kit, including waterproofed identity documents, tinned food, bottled water, matches and a multi-tool knife.

Sir Keir Starmer said last month Western intelligence services believe Russia could attack a Nato member state within four years.

Speaking as the Government unveiled its delayed Defence Investment Plan, the Prime Minister said an attack on Nato "as soon as 2030" was possible.

Mr Jones said: "Throughout our history, the UK has overcome challenges from plagues and pandemics to war and our fair share of wet weather. It is right that we consistently evaluate the risks we could face and plan for what may come.

"This year we saw temperatures across the UK breaking records in May, only to be exceeded again in June, and AI offers new ways for criminals to carry out cyber-attacks against us, as well as offering huge opportunities for our economy and security.

"The Government will do all it can and we are well prepared – but we can all play our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

"This campaign will help the public to take small but important steps to be prepared in case of emergencies and disruption – be that severe weather or a cyber-attack, which can impact access to power, water, or phone signal.

"Being prepared not only helps people keep themselves and their family safe, but also means the emergency services can focus on helping the most vulnerable in communities."

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