UK Revives Cold War-Era War Book to Prepare for Potential Conflict

The UK government is reviving its Government War Book, a collection of documents originally developed during the Cold War to prepare for national mobilization in times of crisis.

The updated version will guide the military, police, hospitals, and industry in transitioning to a wartime footing. Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, head of the Armed Forces, confirmed the plans during an interview with Sky News. The original war book dates back to the First World War and was regularly updated through the Cold War period.

A 1976 version included hand-typed pages with detailed plans for mobilizing civilians and industry, such as shutting schools, clearing hospitals, rationing food, and storing national treasures. The system was abandoned by the early 2000s after the Cold War ended due to maintenance costs.

Sir Knighton stated that the new document draws on Cold War lessons but applies them in a modern context with contemporary society and infrastructure.

The Cabinet Office is leading the cross-government effort to produce the modernized war book.

“I think that's right.”

The UK has pledged to increase defence spending from just over 2 percent of GDP to 3.5 percent by 2035. A 10-year Defence Investment Plan, which outlines procurements for weapons and capabilities by the Ministry of Defence, remains unpublished. Defence Secretary John Healey did not confirm a release date, though it was due last autumn.

Sir Knighton indicated the delay results from efforts to secure faster funding from the Treasury. He expressed a preference for a properly funded plan that delivers required capabilities, even if it takes additional time. The delay has affected the defence industry, which awaits promised funding.

Successive Conservative and Labour governments have maintained defence funding at levels below previous commitments since the early 2000s.

Knighton warned that the peace Britain has enjoyed for the past 30 years is ending, with growing threats requiring a shift in public thinking about resilience. Protecting critical national infrastructure, including power stations and water supplies, is a central focus of the new approach.

This includes building resilience against adversary actions above the threshold of war, beyond hybrid threats. He emphasized the need to educate the public on these threats and their role in supporting the nation and Armed Forces. The updated plans will require different choices and priorities in infrastructure renewal.

“The peace dividend that we've enjoyed for the last 30 years is coming to an end.”

The revival aims to position Britain as a well-prepared nation for potential conflict, similar to its status during the Cold War.