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Dad's Army could return following defence review

The Independent

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May 18, 2025

Anew home guard will be established to protect key British infrastructure from attacks by hostile states and terrorists, under plans put forward in a major defence review.

- ANDY GREGORY

Dad's Army could return following defence review

The Sunday Times reports that thousands would be recruited to a force echoing the Local Defence Volunteers militia created in 1940 as Britain’s “last line of defence” during the Second World War, nicknamed “Dad’s Army”.

The new force drawn from the civilian population would be sent to guard sites such as airports, power plants and coastal hubs where undersea internet cables join the shoreline, according to outlet.

The plans are reportedly included in the forthcoming Strategic Defence Review, commissioned last July, that is being overseen by defence secretary John Healey and led by former Nato chief Lord Robertson and retired general Sir Richard Barrons.

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