LONDON, July 14 (Xinhua) -- Britain will hold its largest home defense exercise in several decades in 2027 as part of efforts to strengthen the country's preparedness for international hostilities, the government said on Tuesday.
In a written statement to Parliament, Darren Jones, chief secretary to the prime minister and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said the government had accelerated its home defense planning, including updating the government War Book and strengthening coordination between military and civilian authorities.
The exercise will be used to rigorously test those plans and ensure Britain is prepared should international hostilities affect the country, Jones said.
The announcement formed part of the government's annual statement on national resilience. The government also published an updated National Risk Register, which lists 95 risks facing Britain, excluding the most sensitive classified threats.
The statement highlighted risks including armed conflicts, disruption to global energy supplies, cyberattacks against businesses and critical infrastructure, extreme weather and infectious diseases.
Jones also announced that a national public awareness campaign would be launched later this year to inform people of the steps they could take to prepare for emergencies and disruptions, including severe weather and cyberattacks affecting power, water, communications and food supplies. ■