If Vladimir Putin was to turn his attention to Finland then be warned: the Finns are prepared.

While visiting Helsinki, Big Issue was given the opportunity to meet Petteri Korvala, the secretary general of Finland’s Security Committee. Korvala’s job, working alongside representatives from across Finnish society and public bodies, is to keep Finland safe.

But that involves far more than just rallying the troops. Finland has a comprehensive security strategy that sees the vital functions of society protected by authorities, businesses, organisations and even down to individual citizens. The message is clear: it takes everyone to keep society safe.

The origins of this model are perhaps not a surprise. Finland has been an independent nation for much less time than the UK and secured indep

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