Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jamie Wallis and Steve Barclay

Thursday 24th February 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dr Jamie Wallis (Bridgend) (Con)]

7. What steps the Government are taking to strengthen the UK’s cyber-resilience.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Steve Barclay)]

Our national cyber strategy sets out how we will ensure that the UK remains a leading democratic cyber-power that is more resilient and able to counter cyber-threats. This and the Government cyber-security strategy are supported by £2.6 billion of taxpayers’ money over the next three years.

[Dr Wallis]

I welcome the Government’s pledge to create regional cyber-clusters across the UK as part of their levelling-up agenda, but does my right hon. Friend agree we need to be conscious that, if we attempt to standardise security protocols across multiple organisations, the overall effectiveness of the security of each individual organisation must improve and not be weakened as a result?

[Steve Barclay]

I take my hon. Friend’s point, but having the 12 regional clusters will help businesses that want to do the right thing and know how best to protect against the risks of cyber. Our aim is to help businesses improve their cyber-security. Given events in Europe today, it is particularly pressing that businesses take this seriously.