MPs call for ‘whole of society’ approach to combat ‘grey zone’ threats

The Defence Committee’s report entitled ‘Defence in the Grey Zone’ urges the Ministry of Defence to proactively engage with wider society – including businesses, schools and communities – in order to help generate an informed dialogue around ‘grey zone’ threats posed to the UK and build consensus around a common response.

The Ministry of Defence could pitch this ‘offer’ to society, in conjunction with building cyber skills and awareness: from protecting critical national industries and preventing ransomware attacks through to teaching school children how to remain safe online.

By sharing its crisis management expertise with other Government departments and wider society, the Ministry of Defence can help to strengthen long-term resilience planning and preparedness across the UK. This would also allow the Armed Forces to focus on their primary responsibility during any serious international conflict (ie deterring or defeating military threats).

To lead work across Government, the Committee is calling for the Government to appoint a dedicated minister for homeland security.

Blurring the line

Tan Dhesi MP (chair of the Defence Committee) stated: “Our adversaries have purposefully blurred the line between peace and war. ‘Grey zone’ threats pose a particularly insidious challenge. They unsettle the fabric of our day-to-day lives and undermine our ability to respond.”

Dhesi continued: “These threats bring war to the doorstep of each and every one of us. The attacks do not discriminate. They target the whole of our society and so demand a whole of society response in which we must all play our part. Our report calls on the Ministry of Defence to engage with the rest of Government, with industry and with wider society to improve our resilience and strengthen our defences at home.”

Further, Dhesi observed: “This means working with businesses, schools and community groups to increase awareness of ‘grey zone’ threats and to help us all take the steps needed to protect ourselves from, for example, cyber attacks or disinformation. The Ministry of Defence plays an important role in defending the nation from ‘grey zone’ attacks, but it’s only a part of the equation.”

According to Dhesi: “We must now assume that any vulnerability will be exploited against us. The industries and technologies we rely on the most are clear targets for hostile states. This is why we are calling for a ‘shoring up’ of our digital and cyber skills and protections.”

In conclusion, Dhesi explained: “The damage repeatedly caused to undersea cables highlights the importance of protecting critical infrastructure. The UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force needs additional capabilities to provide further deterrence against Russian sabotage, while the Ministry of Defence should consider increasing our military presence in the Baltic.”