And that is on top of a clear and present warning about cyber-terrorism, with our world increasingly dependent on computers.

There is even a warning about the 2012 Olympics in London being an "attractive" target for criminals and others seeking to defraud and potentially disrupt. Beijing experience 12m cyber attacks a day during the 2008 games.

There is an acknowledgement that the end of US hegemony is drawing to a close, with the new strategy declaring the world will become multipolar.

And while the US will remain our closest ally, China and India have been identified as new global powers.

Another serious risk is that of scarce resources - including raw materials and food - along with energy and water fuelling conflict.

In the North East, for example, with Nissan will produce electric cars and batteries at its Sunderland site.

Hopes are also high that the region will become a centre for offshore wind power, including production and maintenance of turbines - with thousands of jobs created or supported.

But the national security strategy warns greater demand for scarce natural resources could lead to drastic action by countries that control them - and makes it one of the top 15 risks facing the UK.

"Action by them to restrict exports and stockpiling by other countries in response could undermine certain strategic industrial sectors in the UK (for example restrictions on exports of rare earth metals, a key component of various low carbon and military technologies).
"Competition for resources may also increase the prospect of global conflicts over access to them," according to the strategy.

It is also revealed that after the Buncefield fire, jet fuel was rationed for two years at Heathrow during peak times as a result. It shows how vulnerable we are.

Counter-terrorism, cyberattack, preventing international military crises and dealing with industrial accidents and natural disasters are key areas - and could get the most protection from cuts.

But there is a clear warning that higher priorities may not get the highest amount of resource.

Curiously, there is just one mention of the UK's nuclear deterrent. It says higher spending may justified on a lower priority but one with high impact, such as nuclear weapons.

The over-riding issue is cutting the national deficit, which the strategy declares is vital to national security.