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 playing the roles of the British government in a high-stakes crisis.
Written and presented by Sky News Security and Defence Editor Deborah Haynes, The Wargame is described as a gripping, realistic scenario designed to test the UK’s national resilience and defence posture — and the reliability of key allies, including the United States. Its tagline reads: “Russia knows our weaknesses – but do you?”
The series begins in a near-future setting, as the Prime Minister and Cabinet gather for a Cobra emergency meeting amid rising tensions with Moscow. What follows is a strategic and political test in real time, drawing on genuine expertise and experience.
The fictional government includes:
- Sir Ben Wallace as Prime Minister – former Defence Secretary
- Jack Straw as Foreign Secretary – served under Tony Blair
- Amber Rudd as Home Secretary – reprising her former role
- Jim Murphy as Chancellor – former Scottish Secretary
- James Heappey as Defence Secretary – former Armed Forces Minister
- Baroness Helena Kennedy as Attorney General – a human rights barrister
- Lord Mark Sedwill as National Security Adviser – former occupant of the role
- General Sir Richard Barrons as Chief of the Defence Staff – contributing to Labour’s Strategic Defence Review
- Lieutenant General Sir David Capewell as Chief of Joint Operations – a role he previously held
The fictional scenario was devised by Dr Rob Johnson, Director of the Changing Character of War Centre at Oxford University and former MOD director of net assessment. He describes the situation as one of “very low likelihood but high impact” – a hypothetical threat with potentially catastrophic consequences.
The launch coincides with the UK government’s upcoming Strategic Defence Review and a major NATO summit next month.
Deborah Haynes said: “Pretty much everyone I speak to inside the military says the UK has allowed its defences to shrink too far… I wanted to find out, what if we simulate an emergency and see how the UK might respond?”
Sky News MD and Executive Editor Jonathan Levy called it: “A bold and innovative podcast… essential listening as the UK’s defence future faces increased scrutiny and growing threats.”
Tortoise and Observer Head of Audio Jasper Corbett added: “There’s never been a more appropriate moment for a series like this.”
The first two episodes will be available on 10 June across Sky News platforms. Episodes three and four will follow on 17 June, with the last one will be released on 24 June.
