Tobias Ellwood, former UK Defence Minister and Member of Parliament, has issued a call for UK households to prepare for potential attacks on the country's critical infrastructure. Speaking publicly on Thursday, Mr Ellwood urged families to stockpile cash along with six other essential items in anticipation of what he describes as a "likely" grey zone attack—covert operations aimed at destabilising the UK, possibly by foreign actors such as Russia.
Mr Ellwood highlighted the risk of disruptions including power outages, internet failures, and supply shortages. He emphasised that many households currently lack the necessary provisions to withstand such interruptions. Addressing these concerns in a piece for PoliticsHome, he illustrated a scenario where citizens might receive a national emergency alert warning of a drone attack en route to their city, questioning how individuals would respond under such conditions.
“The era of complacency is over. A significant grey-zone attack on the UK is not just possible – it’s likely. If we want to protect our lives, our economy and our democracy, we must get ready now,” Mr Ellwood stated.
He explained that this emerging form of warfare involves "deniable, covert attacks aimed at weakening our economy, undermining our infrastructure, and sowing confusion and panic." Notably, Mr Ellwood pointed to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet reportedly mapping undersea cable networks critical to Britain’s electricity, gas, and data supply. He mentioned that autonomous underwater vehicles have been observed traversing the seabed to gather intelligence, and noted that the Royal Navy is enhancing its capabilities to detect and respond to such threats.
Recognising that military efforts alone are insufficient, Mr Ellwood urged households to stockpile seven key supplies to prepare for real-world contingencies. These items include at least 100 litres of clean drinking water, non-perishable food such as tins and meals that can be eaten cold, candles and a working torch, a battery-powered radio, iodine tablets in the event of nuclear fallout, cash in case ATMs and electronic card readers fail, and a basic first aid kit.
He underscored the need for cash on hand to ensure access to essential goods and services during potential digital payment disruptions, stating, “cash is needed on hand in case ATMs and card readers go down.”
Mr Ellwood’s warnings come shortly before a significant power cut on Monday, 28 April, which affected large areas of Spain and Portugal, demonstrating the impact such infrastructure failures can have on everyday life.
By advocating for increased household preparedness, Mr Ellwood aims to raise awareness of the tangible threat posed by subtle, unconventional attacks on national infrastructure, encouraging citizens to equip themselves for potential emergencies.
Source: Noah Wire Services