Strengthening National Security and Resilience in Global Omni-crises

In the midst of unprecedented geopolitical pressures, Labour has recognised the challenges faced in keeping the nation safe and protecting its citizens. It has committed to a Strategic Defence and Security Review in its first year in office. Labour has indicated that it believes that the armed forces are too small, and their accommodation needs significant improvement.

In terms of resilience, Labour has already committed to proactive measures to embed this at the very heart of Government, including a new cabinet sub-committee on resilience and a Minister for Resilience in the Cabinet Office to take a ‘cross-department’ view of the key issues and required responses.

In this session, Nick will explore the latest policy announcements in this critical area and map out his thoughts on the likely priorities and focus areas.

Nick Forbes, CBE, Senior Advisor at Strategy International:

Nick served as the Labour Leader of Newcastle City Council from 2011 to 2022, bringing more than £1.5bn of investment into the city. Nick was the (annually elected) Leader of the Local Government Association Labour Group for 6 years, and in this role was invited by Sir Keir Starmer to attend Shadow Cabinet meetings, representing the increasingly powerful voice of local and regional government within the Labour Party.

Nick served for 12 years on the National Policy Forum and for 6 years on the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party. Nick has been Chair of Core Cities UK (establishing the influential Climate Change Finance Investment Commission) and Vice Chair of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority. He was awarded a CBE in 2019 for services to Local Government.