Lib Dems tell Burnham to create 'war register' of civilian volunteers as Russian threat to Britain grows

From the Newshound archive · first published 21 September 2026.

The Liberal Democrats are pressing Prime Minister Andy Burnham to establish an emergency register of civilians prepared to help defend Britain if it comes under attack, citing Finland as a blueprint. The party's defence spokesperson said the UK "urgently" needs such a network and urged ministers to be more candid with the public about the threats facing the country. The Lib Dems are also calling for a new cabinet position — a secretary of state for civil readiness — to lead those preparations. The demands come as Macron has ordered fresh protections for French critical infrastructure and NATO's military chiefs have gathered in Copenhagen to assess a possible Russian escalation.

Exactly what tasks register members would be expected to perform has not yet been determined, and the role would be unpaid and honorary.

NATO's military committee chair Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone said the alliance is fully ready for a potential intensification of hostilities on its eastern flank.

Burnham is already under pressure to raise defence spending as Europe confronts a wave of Kremlin-backed sabotage attacks.