National Security (State Threats) Bill

Baroness Dacres of Lewisham Excerpts

2nd reading
Tuesday 23rd June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Dacres of Lewisham (Lab)]

My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow the noble Baroness, Lady Verma. I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Bill.

The first duty of any Government is to ensure the safety and security of the people they serve. In an increasingly uncertain world, where hostile state activity can take many forms, from espionage and cyber attacks to foreign interference and intimidation, it is right that Parliament considers how best to respond to those threats.

I therefore support the principles behind the Bill and the Government’s determination to ensure that those acting on behalf of hostile foreign powers cannot undermine our national security, our way of life or the safety of the people living in our country. The threats posed by hostile states are real and evolving. They can affect individuals, communities and our democratic institutions, and it is right that the Government respond to them.

As the Bill progresses, I hope we will also recognise the importance of community trust and cohesion in strengthening our response to those threats. Many of our towns and cities are home to vibrant diaspora communities with deep family, cultural and historical connections across the world. These communities make an enormous contribution to our society, economy and public life.

It is important to recognise that diaspora communities can themselves be the target of intimidation, harassment and surveillance by hostile foreign actors. Indeed, some diaspora communities are among those most directly affected by hostile state activity, with individuals and groups experiencing attempts at coercion, interference and intimidation here in the United Kingdom.

Given that the Bill introduces powers to designate organisations linked to hostile foreign state activity, it is important that legitimate diaspora organisations, community groups, charities and cultural bodies have confidence that they will not be inadvertently affected by those powers. That is why it is so important that measures designed to protect national security do not create fear or uncertainty among law-abiding communities.

Trust is hard won and easily lost, particularly in communities that may already feel vulnerable to intimidation or interference. Experience has shown us that however well-intentioned legislation may be, we must always remain alert to unintended consequences, particularly where community confidence and trust are concerned. Where concerns are identified, there should be a willingness to listen, engage and act swiftly to address them.

The overwhelming majority of people maintain family, cultural, charitable or professional links overseas entirely legitimately. We must ensure that there is a clear distinction between those legitimate activities and the actions of individuals or organisations acting on behalf of hostile states. Can my noble friend the Minister say more about the safeguards that will ensure that legitimate community organisations and diaspora groups are not inadvertently affected by these powers? What steps will the Government take to listen, engage and act swiftly should unintended consequences emerge?

I support the aims of the Bill and look forward to following its progress through this House.