UK must prepare for infrastructure attacks by hostile states, says Streeting

Warning by defence secretary comes as he opens a tank gun barrel factory in the West Midlands

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The defence secretary, Wes Streeting, has said Britain should prepare for the threat of “state-sponsored terrorism” by hostile powers targeting everyday infrastructure as part of a national conversation about resilience in the face of emergencies.

He said on Thursday the public should consider how to respond to hybrid warfare risks, such as cyber-attacks that could knock out payment systems used by businesses or cause supply chains to collapse. He also said the public should consider natural risks, such as flooding or wildfires.