“Is it true what I’m reading on social media about Russia attacking the United Kingdom?”

Over the last two or three days, several members of the parish have contacted me, or stopped me in the street, asking the same question:

“Is it true what I’m reading on social media about Russia attacking the United Kingdom?”

I have given this some thought, and I want to give you my honest answer.

Should ordinary people in Britain be frightened that Russia is about to attack us?

No. I would not be frightened.

There is, without question, a genuine security threat from Russia. The British Government itself recognises that Russia poses a serious threat to the United Kingdom, including through cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation and other hostile activity.

However, that is very different from saying that Russia is about to launch a military attack on Britain.

At present, I have seen no reliable indication that Russia is preparing to invade or directly attack the United Kingdom. There have certainly been heightened tensions in recent days, particularly following Russian warnings about Britain's support for Ukraine. But a Russian threat or warning is not the same thing as an imminent attack.

I think we need to be very careful about what we read on social media.

Social media can take a genuine security concern and turn it into something much more frightening than the facts justify. Headlines designed to generate clicks, shares and reactions can leave ordinary people believing that war is about to arrive on their doorstep.

I have seen some of the recent reporting, including headlines from newspapers such as the Daily Star, and I think we should always ask ourselves: Is this reporting a genuine warning based on evidence, or is it designed to frighten us and generate attention?

The Government's own National Risk Register 2026 recognises that the UK faces a range of serious risks, but it is a broad assessment of national risks rather than a warning that Russia is about to attack Britain.

So my message to my fellow parishioners is simple:

Please don't be frightened.

We should be aware, but we do not need to be afraid.

We should remain vigilant, listen to reliable sources and avoid allowing sensational headlines or social-media posts to control our emotions.

There is a serious war taking place in Ukraine, and Russia presents a genuine security challenge to Britain and our allies. We should not dismiss that. But neither should we allow fear to take over our lives when there is no reliable evidence that Russia is about to attack the United Kingdom.

As people of faith, we should remember that fear can easily overwhelm us when we allow ourselves to dwell on things we cannot control.

So please, be sensible. Be informed. Pray for peace. Pray for those caught up in the war. And above all, do not allow social media to frighten you into believing that an attack on Britain is imminent when there is no reliable evidence that this is the case.