A Government programme intended to raise public awareness of threats to the UK and strengthen national resilience is already under way and will continue through 2027, according to a parliamentary answer.
The timetable was set out in response to a written question from Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who asked when the national conversation on defence and security promised in the Defence Investment Plan would be delivered. Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said the work is being led by the Cabinet Office through the Home Defence Programme.
She said: “The National Conversation is a programme of public engagement led by the Cabinet Office as part of the Home Defence Programme. Delivery is already underway and will continue through 2027.”
Defence will support the programme through public engagement and communications intended to explain the threats facing the UK, the role played by the Armed Forces in deterrence and resilience, and how individuals, communities and employers can contribute.
Sandher-Jones said: “Defence is supporting this work through planned public engagement activities and a coherent programme of communications. These have been designed to improve understanding of the threats facing the UK, explain the role of Defence in deterrence and national resilience, and encourage practical participation by individuals, communities and employers.”
The work also links into the National Risk Register, which was updated in July 2026, and the internal National Security Risk Assessment used by government to assess the likelihood and potential impact of risks affecting the UK and its interests. According to Sandher-Jones, the public-facing register is intended to show how the Government is preparing for those risks while improving public awareness and supporting a broader approach to national resilience.
Defence is also contributing to a separate Cabinet Office-led national resilience public awareness campaign announced in the Annual Statement on National Resilience on 14 July. The Government intends to judge the wider programme against levels of public preparedness, participation and resilience.
Sandher-Jones said: “Success will be measured by increased public preparedness, participation and resilience.”
Government communications on defence and security are expected to increase ahead of ALBISTON SHADOW, described in the answer as a major UK Home Defence exercise, and NATO’s Crisis Management Exercise in spring 2027.
