Key facts
- The docudrama 'Wargame' portrays a Russian attack on Britain, featuring Michael Gove as prime minister and Nicola Sturgeon as deputy.
- Defence Secretary Wes Streeting praised the show, suggesting it aids his spending review submission.
- The program aims to increase public awareness and debate regarding defense spending priorities.
- Former minister Michael Gove expressed surprise at the limited missile defense capabilities shown.
- The docudrama reflects concerns about potential Russian sabotage and disinformation operations in the UK.
The docudrama 'Wargame,' set to air on Sky in September, depicts a fictional Russian attack on Britain and has garnered praise from UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. Streeting remarked that the show effectively presented his case for increased defense spending, calling it his "spending review submission."
The program features former politicians in key roles, with Michael Gove as prime minister and Nicola Sturgeon as his deputy, grappling with a powerful Moscow and highlighting perceived limitations in British military capabilities. Labour figures Jim Murphy, Harriet Harman, and Ayesha Hazarika also feature in the cast.
Streeting expressed anticipation that 'Wargame' would stimulate public discussion on defense priorities, especially as planned spending is set to rise by approximately £30 billion by 2035. He noted that while the depicted conflict was of low probability, its impact could be high, urging voters to consider defense in their priorities.
Michael Gove, who served continuously as a minister from 2010 to 2024, shared that he was surprised by the limited missile defense capabilities illustrated during filming. He described the experience as "sobering," particularly given his extensive government experience, though he had not held a defense portfolio.
Producers highlighted the program's relevance due to recent incidents of Russian sabotage in the UK and Europe. The show also touches upon the impact of successive defense spending cuts made by various governments since the end of the Cold War, which have affected naval deployment capabilities.
Nicola Sturgeon commented that the program could help counteract "optimism bias" that such events might not occur, a sentiment Michael Gove fully agreed with.
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