A groundbreaking podcast series from Sky News has laid bare the critical vulnerabilities in the United Kingdom's national defence, drawing on candid testimony from the very ministers once tasked with protecting the nation.
Revealing Interviews with Former Defence Chiefs
The sixth episode of 'The Wargame', produced in collaboration with Tortoise Media, features remarkably frank discussions with almost every real-life defence secretary since the Cold War ended. Presented by Sky News' security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, the series constructs a chillingly realistic scenario of a potential Russian attack on the UK. It then tasks former ministers, military leaders, and security experts with navigating the crisis to highlight systemic weaknesses.
The central, troubling question posed is: "So, how has the UK been left so poorly defended?" The answer, the podcast suggests, lies in decades of political and strategic decisions examined through these exclusive interviews. Russia knows our weaknesses. But do you? the series provocatively asks its audience.
Live Event: The Wargame Decoded
To delve deeper into the revelations, Sky News is hosting a special live event titled 'The Wargame: Decoded' in London on January 29, 2026. This unique experience promises to place attendees in the mindset of the decision-makers who participated in the podcast's simulation.
Deborah Haynes will be joined by notable participants including former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace, ex-Home Secretary Amber Rudd, and former Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. They will discuss the intense pressures and tough choices faced during the game. The event will also offer guests a chance to experience key moments of the simulation firsthand, prompting them to consider: How would the UK respond in a crisis? And how prepared are we really?
A Call for Public Awareness
The podcast and its accompanying live event represent a significant effort to translate complex defence and security issues into a format accessible to the public. By using a narrative-driven 'wargame' and the insights of those who have held the highest offices, the project aims to foster a more informed national conversation about the UK's strategic readiness in an increasingly volatile world.
The series is available to stream now on podcast platforms, including Spotify, with the crucial live follow-up scheduled for the end of January next year.
