Cyber-security and UK Democracy

Debate between Oliver Dowden and Desmond Swayne

Monday 25th March 2024 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I will answer the question slightly less aggressively than how it was put; I will make my point in my own way. First, as the Electoral Commission said in its statement, the data contained in electoral registers is limited, and much of it is already in the public domain. The Electoral Commission had already declared the fact of the attack. What is different today is that, contrary to some speculation at the time, we are announcing that it was in relation to Chinese-related actors. That is what has changed. On our overall approach, I have set out a direction. These are grave threats, which we take seriously. We are taking proportionate action now, and we will continue to take steps as required.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

A successful deterrent requires the capability and the will to retaliate. Have we got either?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

Yes, we do, on both fronts. My right hon. Friend will be well aware of our National Cyber Force, but I do not comment on the conduct of that from the Dispatch Box.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Dowden and Desmond Swayne

Wednesday 17th May 2023 Commons Chamber

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I assure the hon. Lady and the House that the Government are committed to reforming the leasehold system to give homeowners more control and cheaper access to leasehold renewal, including a 990-year extension with zero ground rent. We will set out plans for further reforms later in the Parliament.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

Q14. What would be a reason for extending the general election franchise to settled EU citizens, a population of voters equal to the number in Wales?

[The Deputy Prime Minister]

I think that my right hon. Friend is referring to the plans from the Labour party. It is quite interesting that this week, while we are pushing ahead with legislation to break the smuggling gangs, Labour’s big idea is to give foreign nationals a say in our elections. So there we have it. While the Conservatives will stop the boats, Labour will rig the votes.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Oliver Dowden and Desmond Swayne

Thursday 8th December 2022 Commons Chamber

[Oliver Dowden]

We on the Government side respect the will of the House. That motion was passed and we will comply with its terms.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T4. The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office, my hon. Friend the Member for Brentwood and Ongar (Alex Burghart), knows that there is a war on. Part of our contribution should be a great national endeavour to cut our energy consumption, should it not?