In a dramatic turn toward Cold War-era resilience, the UK government has unveiled plans to re-establish a modern-day “Home Guard” to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure from foreign threats. The proposal, revealed as part of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review, underscores mounting concerns over espionage, cyberattacks, and sabotage from hostile state actors.
The new force, modeled after the WWII-era civilian militia, will be tasked with safeguarding power plants, communication hubs, transportation lines, and military installations especially those deemed vulnerable to asymmetric warfare.
“This is about building national resilience,” said Defence Secretary John Healey. “The world has changed, and so must our defense posture. Britain cannot afford to be complacent.”
Civilian-Led, Professionally Trained
Unlike its WWII predecessor composed of volunteers with limited equipment, the revived Home Guard will receive professional training, uniforms, and integrated support from the British Army. Officials say the force will draw from retired service members, reservists, and skilled civilians, especially those with expertise in cybersecurity and logistics.
This defensive realignment is seen as a direct response to intelligence warnings of increased threats from Russia, Iran, and China, particularly in cyberspace and via proxy sabotage.
“The next war may be fought in data centers and train stations as much as on battlefields,” warned a senior MoD official.
Strategic Defence Shake-Up
The broader Defence Review, scheduled for formal release next month, also proposes:
- Expanding the British Army’s personnel strength beyond 85,000 active troops
- Investment in a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to replace the Astute-class
- Enhanced collaboration with NATO and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance
- Upgrades to space and cyber capabilities
These reforms follow criticism that post-Brexit Britain has fallen behind in defense preparedness, with experts citing recruitment shortfalls, aging equipment, and outdated contingency plans.
Political Reactions
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions in Parliament. Labour MPs have largely supported the move, calling it “realistic and necessary,” while critics within the Conservative Party warn of mission creep and civil liberties overreach.
Civil society groups are also raising questions about oversight and the potential for domestic surveillance, as the Home Guard may operate in civilian areas.
