Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps the is taking to help ensure the security of Northern Ireland connected underseas cables against military and criminal risks.

Defence is committed to advancing HMG's work against hostile states and ensuring national security.

The Ministry of Defence works with and supports other Government departments, including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to safeguard critical infrastructure such as underwater cables throughout UK waters.

Through Atlantic Bastion, the Royal Navy is accelerating capabilities with UK industry to defend underwater infrastructure and play an even greater role in protecting critical underwater infrastructure.