Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, has warned threats to the UK’s national security are increasing and the "risk landscape" is the worst since the Cold War.
This comes as Former Defence Minster James Heappey claimed in the Sunday Telegraph that the UK is "failing to prepare for war", as the escalating conflict in Israel continues.
Appearing on The Camilla Tominey Show, Dowden told GB News: "Over the past few months and years we have seen the risk landscape affecting the United Kingdom increasing considerably.
"It's certainly the worst since the Cold War, possibly since the Second World War."
Oliver Dowden claims the UK's 'risk landscape' is at its worst since the cold war
GB News
Dowden explained that there are "a range of different issues" affecting the risk, including "cyber, economic security, or conventional security", noting the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
He said the UK is "increasing our resources" to address security risks, but warned there are "greater challenges" facing Britain.
In a discussion with Camilla Tominey, he said: "For example, we set up the National Cyber Security Centre to address cyber threats.
"I now chair the National Security Council on Economic Security and I take literally dozens of decisions every day on economic security to defend investments into this country from threats from hostile states and from others."
Former Defence Minster James Heappey said the UK is 'failing to prepare' for war
PA
Dowden claimed the UK has been "at the forefront" of supporting efforts in Ukraine against Russia and is "supporting our allies", but urged there's "more we need to do against this backdrop".
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The Deputy Prime Minister explained: "We see a range of at least four hostile states working across a range of different mediums, often in grey zone conflicts.
"Now, of course, there is more work that we need to do across different areas, but we have stepped up considerably. I believe that we are prepared, but there is more that we need to do because this threat landscape is increasing all the time."
Asked if arms sales to Israel should be stopped, he said: "No. Of course, we have to periodically review it.
"We're required by law to do that, as we do with all our allies, including the United States, but the Business Secretary makes decisions on that, based on advice she receives from the Foreign Secretary and that advice has not changed."
Oliver Dowden says arms to Israels 'should not be stopped'
GB News
Camilla pressed Dowden for his stance on the William Wragg 'honeytrap' sexting scandal, as he said the actions of William Wragg were "foolish and wrong", noting he has "apologised for it".
Dowden stated: "It's been brought out into the public domain and, no, I don't think he should step down.
"I think he made a serious error and he’s apologised for it."
