Deploying the armed forces in the UK
This briefing looks at when the armed forces can be deployed in the UK, what they do, and the legal basis.
Defence and civil preparedness: a reading list
This briefing provides a list of useful reading and resources on the whole of society approach to defence and security, including some selected international comparisons.
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Research Briefing
What is a ‘whole of society’ approach to defence and security?
What is the government doing to prepare the UK for crisis or conflict?
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Research Briefing
Home defence: What is the War Book?
The government is working on new plans for the country in the event of a military attack. During the 20th century, plans were set out in the War Book.
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Research Briefing
Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and UK national security
The government published its national security assessment on Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security in January 2026. A debate on the assessment, introduced by Adrian Ramsay, is due to take place in Westminster Hall on 3 September 2026.
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Research Briefing
What is NATO’s Article 3 commitment to national resilience?
What are NATO's treaty obligations on national resilience and civil preparedness?
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Research Briefing
The contribution of the defence industry to UK regions and countries
The defence industry is estimated to contribute around £10 billion to £15 billion a year to the UK economy, mostly in South East and South West England.
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Research Briefing
Military assistance to Ukraine: What has changed since January 2025?
How has military assistance to Ukraine changed since January 2025 when US President Donald Trump took office?
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Research Briefing
Proposals for a Coalition of the Willing in Ukraine
Part of proposals for securing any future peace deal in Ukraine is the deployment of a European-led multinational force, or Coalition of the Willing.
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Research Briefing
Timeline of British military assistance to Ukraine (2022 to present)
What military assistance is the UK providing to Ukraine?
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Research Briefing
UK-EU agreement in respect of Gibraltar
An agreement between the UK and EU setting out Gibraltar's relationship with the EU came into force provisionally on 15 July 2026
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Research Briefing
UK forces in the Middle East region
The UK armed forces use a range of bases and facilities in the Middle East.
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Research Briefing
UK defence personnel statistics
How many people serve in the UK armed forces, how diverse are they, and how many people are joining and leaving?
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Research Briefing
Japan’s strengthening military posture and new security policies
Since 2022, Japan has significantly increased its defence spending, updated its security policies and removed barriers to exporting arms.
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