In this episode, Lord Coaker, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, reflects on the significance of Remembrance and explores how the legacy of those who served can inform the United Kingdom’s (UK) approach to national security today.
In conversation with Viktorija Starych-Samuolienė, Co-President (Strategy) of the Council on Geostrategy, Lord Coaker shares his personal connection to the D-Day landings and considers the importance of solidarity between the British Armed Forces and wider society. The discussion examines the role of deterrence in preventing conflict and how the threats facing the UK extend beyond conventional warfare to include cyber attacks, misinformation, and vulnerabilities in critical national infrastructure.
The conversation also explores His Majesty’s (HM) Government’s ‘Be Ready’ campaign and the importance of practical preparations for emergencies. Lord Coaker considers how reservists, veterans, and volunteers can strengthen national resilience, alongside cooperation between the British Armed Forces and the National Health Service (NHS). Finally, he reflects on the enduring values of service and sacrifice, and the importance of sustaining public support for those who defend the UK throughout the year.
