A century-old war manual from World War I could soon return to guide the UK in preparing civilians for potential conflict, according to the head of the armed forces.

History and Revival of the Government War Book

This top-secret document, first created during the First World War, served as the foundation for numerous government war books. Officials updated it regularly until the early 2000s, when budget cuts led to its suspension. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton now advocates resurrecting it under Cabinet Office leadership, incorporating all government departments.

The manual outlined detailed procedures for military mobilization, civilian involvement, and industry activation. A 1976 edition featured hand-typed pages bound with string, including crisis strategies such as closing schools, evacuating hospitals, rationing food supplies, and safeguarding national treasures.

Adapting Lessons for Modern Threats

Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Knighton emphasized blending Cold War insights with today’s realities. “NATO describes the transition to conflict as a military component, but it also has a civilian component,” he stated.

He stressed the need to raise public awareness of escalating threats after three decades of relative peace. “That requires us to educate ourselves and help the population understand some of those threats and help them understand what they can do to support the nation and potentially support the armed forces,” Knighton added.

Knighton also highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities. “When we think about renewing our water infrastructure or electricity or transport infrastructure – thinking about the threat of action from an adversary that is above the threshold of war, not just a hybrid threat,” he explained. “And think about how we build in that resilience as we renew it and that requires making some different choices and different priorities.”

Defence Spending Delays and Political Criticism

Knighton addressed challenges in shifting to a war footing amid delays in post-Strategic Defence Review spending plans. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the holdup a “national scandal,” accusing the government of prioritizing other expenditures despite pledges to raise defence spending to 3.5% of GDP.

“What I want is a defence investment plan that is properly funded and delivers what we want. If that takes a bit longer, I’d rather have something that works and we can deliver,” Knighton responded.

Badenoch warned of inadequate preparedness. “I am not here to lie to you. We are not ready,” she declared at the conference. “At a time of war in Europe and a time of war in the Middle East… our government literally does not have a plan. There is no plan for how the government is going to buy equipment, weapons and munitions.”

Readiness Against Russian Shadow Fleet

The defence chief affirmed the UK’s preparedness to counter Russia’s shadow fleet, noting that sanctioned tankers spotted nearby have already rerouted. “Be in no doubt. We are ready,” he asserted confidently.