05 Dec 2024
Question
Cyber-security

: The cyber-security debate in the House of Commons focused on the UK's advancements and ongoing challenges regarding cyber-resilience.

  1. Debate Structure:
    • The discussion began with Nick Smith, a Labour MP, questioning the government's progress in enhancing cyber-security.
    • Pat McFadden, another Labour MP, responded, emphasizing the government's strategic initiatives, including an upcoming Cyber-Security and Resilience Bill.
  1. Main Content & Issues Raised:
    • Everyone agreed on the need to keep up with ever-evolving cyber-security challenges.
    • The role of educational institutions, like the Ebbw Vale college, in training the future cyber-security workforce was highlighted.
    • There was acknowledgment of the "widening gap" between defenses and threats, emphasizing the need for a skilled workforce to protect national infrastructure.
  1. Policy Terms and Legislation:
    • Key terms included cyber-security, cyber-resilience, State and non-State actors.
    • Mention of a Cyber-Security and Resilience Bill indicates forthcoming legislative actions.
  1. Named Entities:
    • Nick Smith (Labour, Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney) questioned government progress.
    • Pat McFadden (Labour, Wolverhampton South East) outlined the government's response and priorities.
  1. Political Positions and Policy Stances:
    • Labour MPs pressed on actionable steps towards enhancing cyber-defenses and involving educational and business sectors.
    • The government's commitment was underlined by referencing recent conferences and future legislation.
  1. Key Dates:
    • Reference to a "NATO cyber-defence conference" occurring the previous week signals ongoing international collaborations.
    • Announcement of a future Cyber-Security Legislation in the King’s Speech.
  1. Department Names/ Governmental Bodies:
    • The debate indirectly refers to collaboration with industry and critical national infrastructure sectors, but specific departments weren't named.
  1. Numerical Data:
    • None specified, though the "widening gap" metaphorically indicates the need for updated statistics or reports.
  1. Related Parliamentary Business:
    • Reference to the King’s Speech suggests a broader legislative agenda, encompassing other intersecting policy areas.

Key Contributions

Original Transcript
Nick Smith
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Lab
Question
UIN: 901641

8. What recent progress his Department has made on strengthening cyber-security.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
Pat McFadden
10:02

As I set out in my speech to the NATO cyber-defence conference last week, we are working to strengthen the UK’s cyber-resilience, but there is, of course, still more to do.

In the King’s Speech, we announced that the Government will bring forward a cyber-security and resilience Bill, which will help to strengthen the UK’s cyber-defences and our work with industry to help to make the UK a safe place to live and work online.

I stress to the House that this is an ongoing effort. It can never be perfect, but we are constantly working to make sure we have the strongest cyber-defences possible.

Nick Smith
10:03

The college in Ebbw Vale has a brilliant cyber security course training young people for jobs in this growing sector.

However, the national cyber-security chief says there is a “widening gap” between the UK’s defences and the threats posed by hostile nations, so can the Minister confirm what is being done to scale up the workforce to defend our crucial infrastructure?

Pat McFadden

I congratulate the college in Ebbw Vale on its brilliant cyber-security course. My hon. Friend is right to point out the threat, which is why I spoke at the NATO cyber-defence conference last week. State and non-state actors are constantly probing our defences.

It is a constant effort to keep those defences strong, and we are determined to work not only with education but with business and our critical national infrastructure to make sure we are as well protected as we can be against the threats we face.

Security is no longer just about hard military power; it is also about cyber-security, which is why that has to be a real priority for the Government.

All content derived from official parliamentary records