Labour ministers have warned that the UK needs to be prepared for situations that could involve conflict and have encouraged the country to prepare for the potential of direct threats to the country.

Britain is now entering an era of heightened global instability, characterised by aggressive moves by unfriendly nations and rising international tensions, according to officials’ recently unveiled national security policy, which was published on Tuesday.

“We are in an era in which we face confrontation with those who are threatening our security. The most obvious and pressing example of this is Russia in its illegal war against a European neighbour,” the strategy outlines, via Birmingham Live. “Meanwhile, some adversaries are laying the foundations for future conflict, positioning themselves to move quickly to cause major disruption to our energy and or supply chains, to deter us from standing up to their aggression.”

The document delivers one of the starkest warnings yet about the UK’s vulnerability, stating: “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.”

The warning coincides with mounting concerns of a more extensive world war, fuelled by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and rising violence in the Middle East between Israel, Hamas, Iran, and the United States.

Through its UK Prepare website, the UK government is responding by urging citizens to be ready for both natural and man-made disasters. Although the advise does not foretell a conflict, it emphasises the significance of being prepared for potential supply chain, water, and power outages.

It is recommended that households keep necessary products, especially those that can be helpful in the event of a power outage. Receiving news and emergency updates via a wind-up or battery-operated radio is one of the most talked-about topics.

The UK government writes: “There might be updates communicated by radio during a power cut. A car radio can be used, however in severe weather it might be safer to stay inside. Write down on paper the frequencies of any local or national radio stations you use for news updates. You could add these to your household emergency plan.”

Additional recommendations include long-lasting food items like canned goods and bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries, baby supplies (if necessary), and a basic first aid kit.

Additionally, the guidelines recommend assembling a “grab bag” of important things that may be swiftly carried in the event of an evacuation. Personal records, prescription drugs, warm clothes, and any other items required for a few days away from home should be included.

“If you’re forced to leave your home suddenly,” the advice says, “you won’t have time to gather items. A ready-to-go bag can save valuable time.”

A full list can be seen below:

Battery or wind-up torch (safer than candles)
Portable power bank for charging your mobile phone
Battery or wind-up radio for updates during a power cut (car radio can be used but safer to stay indoors in severe weather)
Spare batteries for torches, radio, and backup battery for any medical equipment you rely on
First aid kit (or items like waterproof plasters, bandages, thermometer, antiseptic, eyewash solution, sterile dressings and gloves, medical tape, tweezers)
Hand sanitiser and wet wipes for hygiene if the water is off
Bottled water:
Minimum of 2.5–3 litres per person per day for survival (WHO guidance)
10 litres per person per day for comfort, cooking, and hygiene
Additional water for baby formula, medical devices, and pets
Non-perishable, ready-to-eat food (tinned meat, fruit, vegetables, plus a tin opener)
Pet food if applicable
Baby supplies such as nappies and ready-made or ‘ready-to-feed’ baby formula
Although emergency situations, particularly a war, are still improbable, officials emphasise that the objective is to strengthen national resilience and make sure the public is not caught off guard.