Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Mark Francois and Justin Tomlinson

Monday 4th November 2013 Commons Chamber

[Justin Tomlinson (North Swindon) (Con)]

15. What new capabilities the armed forces are investing in to ensure the UK can properly defend itself from cyber-attacks.

[The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois)]

In September, my right hon. Friend the Defence Secretary announced the creation of the joint forces cyber group and plans to develop a cyber counter-attack capability. That and other Ministry of Defence measures are part of the £650 million cross-Government investment in cyber that was announced in the strategic defence and security review in 2010.

[Justin Tomlinson]

Does the Minister agree that in addition to strengthening our cyber-defences, we need to deter attacks? What plans does he have to improve UK deterrence in the cyber-domain?

[Mr Francois]

In addition to the more than £600 million to which I referred, a £210 million investment to further bolster our cyber-defences was announced by the Chancellor in a statement to Parliament on 26 June this year. That is a clear indication that cyber will play a role in a national deterrent posture. It is critically important to the country, and that is why we are investing in it.