British officials stated on Monday that cyber attacks, terrorism, inter-state conflict, and natural hazards are the most significant threats to British security. This comes just before a major military review that is expected to include significant spending cuts. The government's new National Security Strategy emphasizes threats from groups like al Qaeda and those linked to Northern Ireland, as it aims to assure critics that the upcoming armed forces review is based on policy rather than solely on saving money. The UK is facing a large budget deficit, but is striving to maintain its status as a strong military power in Europe and a reliable ally to the United States. The government's strategy focuses on priorities such as counter-terrorism, cyber security, international military crises, and disaster response. Threats from insurgencies abroad that could lead to terrorist attacks in the UK are considered a lower priority in the report. The document noted that threats may come from other states, but emphasized the risks posed by non-state and unconventional actors. This shift in focus is expected to provide a rationale for reducing expenditures on significant military equipment purchases. Despite facing a cut of less than 10 percent in its budget of 36.9 billion pounds ($58.62 billion), the Ministry of Defiance will still experience considerable political, industrial, and diplomatic repercussions. The National Security Strategy also pointed out the increasing risk of nuclear proliferation and highlighted the vulnerability of British security to the effects of climate change on food and water supply.