Asked by: Lord Richards of Herstmonceux (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan, and whether they will publicise those plans in good time before the events.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Government announced the VE and VJ Day 80 programme with a statement to both Houses on 13 March. Debates were held on the same topic on 6 May in the House of Commons and on 9 May in the House of Lords.
On Friday 15 August, the Royal British Legion, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will lead a service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, honouring those who served in the War in the Far East.
DCMS is also supporting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to run more than 250 mobile exhibitions across the UK and at key global commemorative sites to the Pacific, highlighting the stories of those who fought in the Second World War.
To recognise the war’s continuation beyond VE Day and the sacrifices made in the Far East, the Government’s National Engagement Programme runs throughout this 80th anniversary year to include both VE and VJ Day. More information is available at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.
Asked by: Lord Richards of Herstmonceux (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect international underwater telecommunication cables; and what would be the consequences of a failure to do so.
Answered by Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay - Shadow Minister (Culture, Media and Sport)
Sub-sea cables are a critical part of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure connecting the UK to the rest of the world. Working with operators, DCMS ensures their security and resilience. We support industry efforts to enhance the cable networks’ resilience to loss or damage and provide advice and guidance to mitigate the risks posed by physical and cyber threats.