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National Resilience
10 June 2026
Lead MP
David Reed
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
DefenceCommunity SecurityEnvironment
Other Contributors: 1
At a Glance
David Reed raised concerns about national resilience in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The hon. Member David Reed of Exmouth and Ernecall raised the issue of improving national resilience, citing the need for a comprehensive approach to address interconnected threats such as natural disasters, pandemics, geopolitical shocks, and deliberate attacks. He highlighted that living memory of national insecurity in the UK is fading, making it challenging to engage citizens on the importance of resilience. Reed emphasised the need for a structured conversation on defence and resilience, citing Denmark's dedicated ministry of resilience and preparedness as an effective model. He also called for a review into whether the current dispersal of responsibilities across Whitehall is fit for purpose.
Tom Greatrex
Lab
Wansbeck
The hon. Member Tom Greatrex from Wansbeck emphasised the need to consider climate change as an interconnected threat alongside others, stressing that it requires more attention and planning.
Government Response
The Minister Dan Jarvis of Barnsley Central acknowledged the importance of resilience and praised the work done on national security and risk assessment. He outlined several measures taken by the Government, including a refreshed expectation set for lead Departments to clarify responsibilities, embedding leadership roles in central crisis management doctrines, and strengthening governance on risk planning. The Cabinet Office’s role was highlighted as crucial for cross-cutting impacts of crises such as power outages or severe weather events. Jarvis also mentioned the importance of local resilience forums and an international community approach to learning and sharing best practices. He committed to publishing a detailed update next month on progress made towards resilience commitments, addressing concerns raised by Reed.
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About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.