Call one out following poor BAME representation - prepare defence (8)
I believe the answer is:
embattle
'prepare defence' is the definition.
(embattle can mean to make ready for battle)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
(Other definitions for embattle that I've seen before include "add strength" , "Prepare for conflict" , "Arrange in readiness for conflict" , "strengthen the defence" , "Make ready to fight; belt mate (anagram)" .)