UK National Security Strategy: Our Government’s perspective on a riskier world
Credit: GOV.UK / Cabinet Office
In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, the UK has laid out its latest National Security Strategy (NSS) — a comprehensive plan to protect the nation’s people, economy, and global interests. While the tone is serious, the message is clear: the UK is preparing not just to weather the storm, but to emerge stronger on the other side.
Our Insight Lead, Tom Watkins, has been reflecting on the NSS and what it means for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS).
What’s the strategy about?
Looking beyond some political posturing, at its core, the NSS is about resilience and readiness. It sets out how the UK will respond to a more contested, multipolar world — one where threats are more complex and interconnected than ever.
Main goals
The main goals of the strategy include:
Keeping the UK safe and resilient
Guarding against terrorism, cyber-attacks, pandemics and natural disasters
Strengthening infrastructure and emergency response systems
Shaping a more stable world
Collaborating with allies to tackle global threats before they reach UK shores
Using diplomacy, aid, and military power to promote international stability
There’s also a nod to a “defence dividend” — the idea that investment in defence can also revitalise domestic industry; creating jobs and boosting innovation in communities across the UK.
Top threats identified
The strategy highlights four major risks:
Terrorism (both domestic and international)
Cyber-attacks on UK infrastructure
Natural disasters or pandemics
Military conflicts abroad that could draw in the UK
While it doesn’t predict armed conflict on British soil, it does acknowledge that hostile activity from foreign states is already happening — with China, Russia, and Iran named as key culprits.
Key tasks for national security
Among the eight strategic tasks, the most notable include:
Monitoring threats and spotting opportunities early
Tackling root causes of instability (like poverty and community conflict)
Strengthening alliances — especially NATO and Indo-Pacific partnerships
Investing in cutting-edge technology, intelligence, and defence capabilities
Enhancing border security and counter-terrorism efforts
Global context: A more dangerous neighbourhood
The UK sees the world as increasingly contested and volatile, with rising threats from:
Russia, particularly after its invasion of Ukraine
China, due to economic coercion and cyber espionage
Iran, which is flagged as a major destabilising force
Iran, Israel, and the Middle East
The strategy singles out Iran as a serious threat to regional and global stability. It references:
Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel in April 2024
The UK’s role in intercepting Iranian drones alongside the USA and France
Iran’s growing ties with other hostile states like Russia and North Korea
On Israel, the UK reaffirms that its security is “non-negotiable” and a cornerstone of peace in the Middle East. The UK has provided military and intelligence support during recent escalations.
Notably, the strategy does not delve into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict or mention Palestinian governance — instead focusing on broader regional stability and countering Iranian influence.
What this means for the VCS
For our VCS partners, this strategy is a timely reminder of the vital role communities play in national resilience. It’s an opportunity to raise awareness, build preparedness, and strengthen collaboration across local networks. From encouraging residents to update emergency contacts and know their evacuation plans, to promoting the UK Government’s “Prepare” website — which offers practical advice on everything from emergency alerts to household readiness — there’s a lot we can do together. Running local resilience exercises, sharing trusted information, and fostering partnerships with local authorities can make a real difference when it matters most.
Final thoughts
This strategy isn’t just a list of threats — it’s a blueprint of the Government’s view of our national resilience. It recognises the UK’s place in a shifting global order and aims to ensure that, whatever comes next, the country is ready to meet it head-on.