UK Biobank Data

Lord Reid of Cardowan Excerpts

Tuesday 28th April 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Reid of Cardowan (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare an interest in the area of cyber security. First, we should congratulate the Government, despite the seriousness of this, on their swift response. Admittedly, it was after the event, but the Government acted on this occasion swiftly and effectively. Secondly, although this was not a cyber attack, changing the behavioural aspects which led to this leak will not be sufficient. As the Minister and various others have said, it will require a range of cultural, behavioural and technical effects to try to minimise the chances of this happening again. In that context, both opposition spokesmen made worthy recommendations and suggestions, which the Minister will no doubt look at.

Finally, given the importance of UK Biobank and the crucial role it plays in scientific research, to the benefit of the health of us all, can the Minister assure us that, although it is an independent charity, this will not undermine the Government’s support for it in the future? It is important to the health of the nation.

[Lord Vallance of Balham (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his questions, and I echo his points about the Front-Bench spokesmen on the other side. It is very clear that everyone has the same intent here, which is to try to sort this out, and I welcome those inputs.

I agree that this is cultural as well as technical; those points need to be looked at and will be as part of the review. There is an unwavering commitment to UK Biobank; it is an extraordinarily important resource for the future health of the country and for ensuring that new discoveries are made. We will continue to support UK Biobank.