Government War Book

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The Government War Book was a secret document containing comprehensive plans for the defence of the United Kingdom in the event of war. It was created during the First World War, and maintained throughout the rest of the 20th century. [1] The primary assumption throughout the Cold War period was that the expected threat was attack by the Soviet Union. [2]

Access to copies of the War Book was tightly restricted, with fewer than 100 copies being held across government in 1964. As of 1966, the War Book had 16 chapters, covering all aspects of national defence including military, civil, economic, and diplomatic aspects, and the preservation of the mechanisms of government. [3]

In a Parliamentary question in 2015, the government stated that the War Book had been replaced by provisions under the Civil Contingencies Act, with the National Security Secretariat still having access to the earlier War Book editions. [4] A 2025 House of Commons Library briefing document still mentions preparation of the War Book as one of the historical functions of the Prime Minister. [5]

In 2025, the British government announced that it would be carrying out a Strategic Defence Review. [6]

As of January 2026, it was revealed that the United Kingdom still did not currently have any comprehensive national war plan similar to the previous Government War Books. [1] [7]

References

  1. 1 2 Haynes, Deborah. "UK has no plan for defending nation in event of war, military chief reveals". Sky News. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  2. ↑ Bates, Stephen (2009-06-23). "War Book reveals how Britain planned to cope with nuclear attack". The Guardian. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  3. ↑ Fox, Steve. "Struggle for Survival – Subterranea Britannica". www.subbrit.org.uk. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  4. ↑ "Emergencies - Question for Cabinet Office - UIN HL55, tabled on 27 May 2015". questions-statements.parliament.uk. 27 May 2015. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  5. ↑ Torrance, David (28 July 2025). "The office and functions of the Prime Minister". House of Commons Library. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  6. ↑ "The Strategic Defence Review 2025 - Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2026-01-13.
  7. ↑ Haynes, Deborah. "PM says UK needs to be ready for war - but there is little sign of meaningful action behind the scenes". Sky News. Retrieved 2026-01-13.


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