Tackling terrorism and the growing threat from cyber crime are among government priorities.
A new National Security Strategy was revealed today is aimed at giving clear to government efforts to keeping the UK safe from security threats.
Commenting on the release the Prime Minister, David Cameron said: ““The United Kingdom faces a complex array of threats from a myriad of sources. The National Security Strategy describes the strategic context within which these threats arise, and how they may develop in the future. It describes Britain’s place in the world, as an open, outward-facing nation whose political, economic and cultural authority far exceeds our size. Our national interest requires our continued full and active engagement in world affairs, promoting our security, our prosperity and our values.
“Our objectives are ensuring a secure and resilient United Kingdom, and shaping a stable world. In pursuit of those goals, our highest priorities are tackling terrorism, cyber security, international military crises and natural disasters such as floods and pandemics. We will draw together and use all the instruments of national power to tackle these risks, including the armed forces, diplomats, intelligence and development professionals, the police, the private sector and the British people themselves.
“The National Security Strategy, together with the measures in the Strategic Defence and Security Review, will enable us to protect our security and advance our interests in the world.”
The Four priorities
The strategy looks at Britain’s place in the world and its national interests. Within this context it lays out four key priorities:
- tackling terrorism
- cyber-security
- international military crises
- national disasters such as flooding and pandemics
Theresa May the Home Secretary said: ‘The first and most important duty of government is keeping the UK and its citizens safe. That is why one of the very first things the Government did was to set up the National Security Council and appoint a National Security Adviser.
‘We want a secure and resilient United Kingdom that plays a part in shaping a stable world. This strategy helps us to achieve that by setting priorities and a clear focus for our efforts – including counter terrorism, cyber security, international military crises and national disasters such as floods and pandemics.
‘Together with the Strategic Defence and Security Review, this will deliver a step change in the UK’s ability to protect its security and advance its interests in the world.’
Resources needed
The Strategic Defence and Security Review – published tomorrow – will show how the UK will achieve its plans, along with resources that will be needed.
To read the pdf “A Strong Britain in an Age of Uncertainty: The National Security Strategy, click here.