Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the timetable is for the Government's announced unit to tackle fake news to commence operations.

Two complementary teams are addressing the Government’s response to the communication challenge posed by disinformation, or so-called “fake news”.

The National Security Communications Team, which is already in operation, has as its purpose to allow government to tackle more effectively the communications elements of complex, interconnected challenges to our national security, including (but not limited to) disinformation.

The Rapid Response Unit, has been recently launched with the remit to expand existing digital analysis (including, but not limited to, misinformation and disinformation) and content capability to communicate public information that is accurate, clear and responsive. The Unit is part of the Government Communications Service (GCS) and based in No10 & the Cabinet Office.