NATO warns of Russian escalation as UK ‘war register’ calls intensify

The Liberal Democrats have urged Andy Burnham to establish an emergency register of civilian volunteers who can be called upon if Britain comes under attack as European leaders warn of an escalating Russian threat and NATO says it is prepared to intervene in an ongoing escalation.

The party’s defense spokesperson said the UK urgently needed a volunteer workforce and called on politicians to be more direct about the public risks confronting the country.

A statement from the spokesperson reads: “Countries like Finland and others already have these kinds of registers out there, and I think it’s something a lot of people would be very willing to sign up to if we gave them the option.”

The proposal would give people a way to enroll in crisis response enrollment to help in an emergency although the details indicate a position would be an honorary one without associated duties or pay.

The call comes as French President Emmanuel Macron orders protections for critical infrastructure defense amendments and defense industry sites warning that Russian hybrid attacks against France and other European countries have intensified.

While speaking at the Elysee Palace after meeting political party leaders, Macron said France had been targeted by subversion campaigns in recent weeks that would not be left without a response

Talking to reporters at a meeting of NATO’s military chiefs in Copenhagen, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chair of the alliance Military Committee said it was fully prepared for a potential intensification.

The Lib Dem proposal would encourage civic engagement to help if Britain came under attack with the party demanding greater ministerial transparency and stating that ministers must be clear about the threats preempting the crisis, anticipating the nation’s challenges and mobilizing volunteers in advance.