Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will assess the implications for his policies of the Oxford Research Group's recent report entitled, The Hostile use of Drones by Non-State Actors against British Targets; and if he will make a statement.

A cross government working group is maintaining a detailed analysis of the security threats posed by drones. This work includes an assessment of the risks of the use of drones for terrorism and criminal purposes. Further work is now proceeding to capture and evaluate potential mitigation measures and strategies. Initial guidance on tackling the risks has been provided to constabularies across the UK.

The findings of the report align well with the ongoing work of this group. While the government recognises that this emerging technology creates exciting opportunities for the UK economy, the risks for security and safety and its response to them will be kept under constant review.