King's College London brought together policymakers, political figures, journalists and researchers to examine the UK's defence and security priorities at a well-attended fringe event at the Labour Party Conference 2026.
Hosted by the Policy Institute, the event, Defence and security in an uncertain world, was chaired by Professor Wyn Bowen, Head of the School of Security Studies at King's. The discussion explored the changing security landscape and the choices facing the UK and its allies, including the future of NATO, deterrence and great-power competition.
The panel brought together a range of perspectives from across politics, policy, journalism and public opinion. Speakers included Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Veterans and People and King's alumnus; Jessica Toale MP, co-founder of the Labour Foreign Policy Group; Claire Ainsley, Director of the Project on Center-Left Renewal at the Progressive Policy Institute; Dominic Hauschild, Defence Correspondent at The Sunday Times; and Gideon Skinner, Senior Director of UK Politics at Ipsos.
The discussion considered how the nature of threats facing the UK is changing, what the war in Ukraine can teach about modern warfare, and how Britain's approach to defence and security is viewed both domestically and internationally.
Audience questions prompted panel discussion on the role of international aid and the balance between hard power and other tools of influence, and the prospects for international agreement to control autonomous weapon systems.
Professor Bowen commented on the event:
"It was a valuable opportunity to bring together perspectives from politics, policy, journalism and academia to explore some of the most pressing defence and security questions facing the UK and its allies. Working in partnership with the Policy Institute enabled us to bring together a diverse range of voices and create a space for constructive, informed discussion with an engaged audience."
Professor Wyn Bowen, Head of the School of Security Studies
The event formed part of King's wider programme at the Labour Party Conference, bringing together King's academics and other experts to discuss key policy challenges.
