Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2026 to Question 109257 on Chinese Embassy: Construction, and with reference to page 11 of the Government’s Cyber Action Plan, published on 6 January 2026, whether the (a) Government Cyber Unit, (b) Government Cyber Coordination Centre, (c) Government Security Group, (d) National Cyber Security Centre or (e) Government Technology Risk Group is responsible for the cyber-security of the telecommunication cables adjacent to site of the new Chinese Embassy.

The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework, requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce and prepare for the risks of security compromise. Public telecoms providers are responsible for the cyber-security of their own networks, in line with their obligations under this framework. Ofcom, as the telecoms regulator, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing their compliance with those obligations.

DSIT is responsible for developing policies, including legislation, to help ensure the security of the UK’s public telecoms networks and services. DSIT works with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), as the UK’s lead technical authority for cyber security. The NCSC provides advice to government and industry on cyber-security threats and vulnerabilities.

HM Government, including the NCSC, has regular engagement with the UK’s largest telecoms providers across a range of policy areas, including national security. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on discussions related to national security.