Sky News and Tortoise Media are launching a new original podcast series, The Wargame, which simulates a fictional Russian attack on the UK.
The five-part documentary-style drama features a cast of former ministers and military leaders who play the role of the UK government in the high stakes crisis.
Written and presented by Deborah Haynes of Sky News Security and Defense Editor, Wargame is said to be an attractive and realistic scenario designed to test the resilience and defence attitude of the UK nation. The catchphrase reads: “Russia knows our weaknesses, but will you do it?”
The series begins in a close environment as the Prime Minister and Cabinet gather for the Cobra emergency amid rising tensions with Moscow. Below is a real-time strategic and political test, using authentic expertise and experience.
Fictional governments include:
Prime Minister Ben Wallace as Prime Minister – Former Secretary of Defense Jack Straw – Served as Secretary of the Interior under Tony Blair Amber Rudd – Her previous role Jim Murphy is former Secretary of Scotland Murphy as Prime Minister – Former Secretary of Scotland Heppy as Secretary of Defense – Former Minister of Army Helena Kennedy – As Attorney General – Former Prime Minister of Rights and Internal Affairs and Communications Mark Security Mark Mark Mark Mark Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo Mark Seddo
The fictional scenario was conceived by Dr. Rob Johnson, director of changing characters at the War Center at Oxford University and former director of net evaluations for mods. He describes the situation as one of “it could be very low but highly influential.” This is a hypothetical threat with potentially catastrophic consequences.
The launch coincides with the UK government's upcoming strategic defense review and next month's major NATO summit.
Deborah Haynes said: “Most people I talk to within the military say that Britain has allowed the defense to be too small… I wanted to know.
Sky News MD and executive editor Jonathan Levy called “a bold and innovative podcast… an essential listening as the future of UK defence faces increased surveillance and threats.”
The turtle and observer director at Jasper Corbett, Audio, added:
The first two episodes will be available on the Sky News platform on June 10th. Episodes 3 and 4 continue on June 17th, with the final episode being released on June 24th.
