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Civil Defence - Should we see a return


War on the continent, US carrier strike group off Venezuela, Chinas claim to Taiwan, a few but pertinent reasons to be concerned about global stability. Add in local concerns around immigration, farming, healthcare, the economy and defence, you cant help but look at the future and be concerned about what lies ahead.

While I cannot change the political landscape bar my right to vote, I can prepare my family for events that may impact us directly, and with that I can support my community. Beyond the local community we are looking at national preparedness. The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (CCA) makes provision about civil contingencies. It replaced the Civil Defence Act 1948 (Northern Ireland 1950). The CCA defines the obligations of certain organisations to prepare for different types of emergencies and provides additional powers for the government to use in the event of a large scale emergency. In short this puts into legislation that organisations must prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies, including war.

You don't have to think for too long to come to the conclusion that our public services are already under significant pressure, how will they manage if our country went to war? You also don't have to look to far to see that other countries are preparing their citizens for war. The European Commission released guidance in March for the need to foster a culture of preparedness and resilience. Sweden has issued a survival guide, "If Crisis or War Comes" which details important information around preparedness, resistance and warning systems. Poland is training thousands of citizens in military, medical and survival skills as part of an effort to strengthen national defence. Finally, Germany has just voted to introduce voluntary military service where all 18 year olds will be sent a mandatory questionnaire to ask whether they are interested and willing to join the armed forces.

The UK government released the prepare campaign in 2024 which provides advice and guidance for members of the public in how to prepare for emergencies, be more informed about hazards and how to get involved in activities to support the community. 

The Civil Defence Corps (CDC) was active in the UK between 1949 and 1968 and was introduced with the growing tensions of the cold war. It is clear to see that governments across Europe have identified the need to inform their citizens of the importance of preparedness, but does it go far enough? With current geopolitical tensions and national issues should we see a return of the CDC to ensure the safety and defence of the UK?


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