As the economic and political consequences of Covid-19 deepen, systematic identity-based violence and collective crime will spread. Another outcome will be the formation of large-scale movements that will lead to populism, and the deepening of exceptional populism in developed democracies, including Britain.
Rising Crime Rates Since the Pandemic
The global economy is in complete recession, except for China. The livelihoods of billions of people are at stake.
Using British police data for crimes against households and adults in the first 12 months of 2020, which includes the impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19), we find that this figure, which had declined in the previous year, has returned to the higher levels with an upward trend.
TCSEW estimates that approximately 11.7 million crimes were committed in the 12 months of 2020. However, due to the way the survey is conducted, this estimate is not comparable to previous periods and may be even higher.
But if we use the same statistics as a measure, there is a positive correlation between the prevalence of pandemics and the increase in crime and violence. For example, a 7% increase in homicides, 16% increase in drug-related crimes, and a 47% increase in the number of robbery victims during the 12 months of 2020 are evidence of this.
New Policy Paper on British National Security Priorities
The world has changed since the 2015 British Strategic Defence and Security Review was produced and the British government has recently set new priorities for the next five years in a policy paper. Security is one of the three main topics in the conservative government paper. This article examines the UK Vision 2025 policy.
Working with allies and partners will further strengthen security and defence at home and abroad and help the UK maximise the benefits of openness. It will also protect the people from threats.
These threats include radicalisation and terrorism, organised crime, and the use of more weapons. However, Britain seems to be paying more attention to foreign affairs in this policy paper.
In practice, however, domestic priorities leave no room to pursue global policies. Human security is the number one priority of every country today and Britain must take serious action in this regard. Hundreds of thousands of people are fighting to save their lives and avoid the dire situation that often results from a pandemic.
Human Security
Human security is far from all the threats that endanger human survival, livelihood, and identity. Threats such as organised crime and drug trafficking, together with ongoing efforts to combat these threats, are part of the human security process.
The pandemic, meanwhile, has plunged many into general poverty and endangered life expectancy. In addition, rising violence and the formation of socio-political movements have paved the way for power to leave the circle of good management.
Human Security Is at the Core of National Security
Without human security, national security is also at stake, because the protection of lives and communities against war and other forms of violence, maintaining territorial integrity and the economic and political system (social, cultural, environmental) and the independence and sovereignty of each country, are all important components of national security.
The goal of human security is to protect all human beings against common threats.
Today, the most common threat is the continuation of Covid-19 and its increasingly negative effects on people in every country, especially Britain.
The dire economic and social consequences of the pandemic have led to an increase in all forms of violence, including violence linked to identity in the UK, as noted above. The main national security priorities of all countries are now focused on the health of workers and employees and their families in the Covid-19 crisis.
Today, more than ever, there is a need to create a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This pandemic is a reminder of the interconnectedness of the world and its vulnerability to the sudden shocks of existing capital market systems.
Therefore, there is a need for collective mobilisation to deal with this common crisis. Every country, including Britain, must be more committed than ever before to transform the economy and build a just and sustainable future.
Policy-makers play a vital role in short-term and long-term recovery. It is essential that legislators not only provide immediate medical and economic assistance to save the lives of millions of people in need, but they must also seek to update outdated systems and policies to prevent future crises.
Economic recovery packages must act not only as stimulus, but also reform the British economy to protect against systemic threats. They should also take into account labour protection, with a focus on equitable work environments and sustainable work practices.
History has shown that a crisis can bring about real change, with real leaders emerging accordingly, provided we use innovative ideas and solutions to save human lives, and ultimately move the economy in the right direction.
Otherwise, populist leaders will come to power and the values of the British system will be destroyed overnight. Taking care of each other can create a stronger, more resilient, and equitable economy.
Britain’s national security policy must therefore focus on a human security strategy to deal with these radical and violent identity movements on a national and international level. Saving the lives of workers and the livelihoods of the people as a strategic priority in the current situation – as well as being the first human security law – will ensure national security today. The issue of security has become the main priority of every country with the emergence of economic and social insecurity issues and radical identities.