Rt Hon Sir Julian Smith KCB CBE MP has called on the Government to take a more proactive approach in engaging the British public on national security and defence challenges.
During a question in the House of Commons, Julian highlighted the importance of building wider public understanding and support for defence policy, stressing that discussions must go beyond Westminster and Whitehall.
He raised concerns about how the Government is working with key institutions such as the education sector, cultural bodies, broadcasters, and social media platforms to communicate the realities of modern threats.
In response, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, acknowledged the importance of this issue and outlined early-stage plans for a broader, cross-government “national conversation” on defence and security. This initiative is expected to involve multiple departments and reflect a whole-of-nation approach to modern defence.
You can watch Julian's question, and the Minister's response, here.
