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Plans to ensure the UK's future safety outlined

Summary

'Securing Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and Security Review (Cm. 7948)’ details how the Government will equip the UK’s Armed Forces, police and intelligence agencies to protect the nation against serious threats in the future.

The review supports the National Security Strategy (Cm. 7953), which intends to use all national capabilities to build Britain’s prosperity, extend the nation’s influence in the world and strengthen security.

The UK faces a complex range of threats, including:

  • terrorism;
  • cyber attack;
  • unconventional attacks using chemical, nuclear or biological weapons;
  • large-scale accidents; and
  • natural hazards.

The National Security Council outlined eight comprehensive National Security Tasks, to:

  1. Identify and monitor national security risks and opportunities.
  2. Tackle at root the causes of instability.
  3. Exert influence to exploit opportunities and manage risks.
  4. Enforce domestic law and strengthen international norms to tackle threats to the UK and its interests.
  5. To address physical and electronic threats from state and non-state sources.
  6. Help resolve conflicts and contribute to stability.
  7. Provide resilience for the UK and be prepared for all emergencies.
  8. Work in alliances and partnerships wherever possible to generate stronger responses.

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Law-Making Explained

This is a Command paper (Cm. 7948, 2010-11). It is a Report from the Prime Minister on behalf of HM Government.

Find out more about Command papers.

How does it affect me?

If you are a UK citizen, concerned with the nation's security issues, this affects you.

Further Reading

Read more about the National Security Council

Find out more about the Ministry of Defence (MoD)

Read about the Prime Minister, David Cameron


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