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National Security

Answer

The National Conversation is a programme of public engagement led by the Cabinet Office as part of the Home Defence Programme. Delivery is already underway and will continue through 2027. It is intended to improve public understanding of defence and national security, strengthen societal resilience and help ensure the UK is better prepared for any future shocks or challenges. The Cabinet Office, as the lead Government Department for the Home Defence Programme, is responsible for the overarching strategy.

Defence is playing a full and active role in delivering the National Conversation, through undertaking dedicated communications activities, which are designed to build public awareness of the evolving security environment. The Armed Forces continue to undertake regular community engagement events across the UK, including through Armed Forces Day, while opportunities to serve in, and contribute to, Defence are being promoted through national outreach and media activity. Defence has also strengthened engagement with Local Resilience Forums and community partners through a comprehensive programme of testing and exercising activities.

Looking ahead, Defence will continue to support delivery of the National Conversation, with Government messaging on defence, security and resilience becoming increasingly visible in advance of planned Tier 1 national Home Defence exercises in spring 2027.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

22917

Session

2026-27

Subjects

National security

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk