WW3 fears explode as UK starts to prepare ‘war book’

British officials are refreshing plans for how the country transitions from peace to war amid rising fears of a conflict with Russia. The ‘War Book’, first introduced during the First World War, has not been updated since the end of the Cold War decades ago.

Analysts have urged Britain to revamp the document in response to the tensions, with concerns Russia could attack NATO by 2030. The refresh is requiring all Whitehall departments to plan how they could respond to a conflict, it is said. Former armed forces minister Al Carns said the significant body of work is due to be completed by the end of this year.

Speaking to Sky News’ Defence Insider, Mr Carns said the update will almost certainly identify significant capability and resourcing gaps across the Government and wider public sector.

The Cabinet Office is spearheading the efforts to revamp the War Book, Sky News reports.

The plans are set to be tested in a 2027 home defence exercise announced by the then-PM Sir Keir Starmer in July, it is said.

A Government spokesperson said: “National security is the first duty of government, which is why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War and investing in the capabilities needed to keep the British people safe.

“Alongside strengthening our armed forces, we are preparing the country for a range of potential threats, including by updating departments’ crisis plans, known as the war book.”