Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

Cyber Interference: UK Democracy

07 December 2023 · 15 other contributors

Opened by Leo Docherty Con Constituency

Democracy & Elections

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Leo Docherty raised concerns about cyber interference: uk democracy in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK Government confirms Russian FSB's Centre 18 unit and Star Blizzard group are responsible for cyber interference against British democracy.
  • Targets of cyber operations include parliamentarians, civil servants, journalists, NGOs, and other public figures.
  • FSB aims to interfere in political processes and spread disinformation through such activities.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Leo Docherty

The UK Government has confirmed that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), particularly its Centre 18 unit and Star Blizzard group, is behind cyber interference targeting British democracy. The FSB targets parliamentarians, civil servants, journalists, NGOs, and other public figures to interfere in political processes and spread disinformation. Examples include the hacking of the Institute for Statecraft and personal accounts of public-facing individuals. The Government will continue exposing such activities and has designated two individuals under cyber sanctions, summoning the Russian ambassador to convey consequences. A technical advisory was published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) to guide at-risk organisations. To bolster resilience, a defending democracy taskforce is in place, focusing on protecting political processes from adversarial actions.

Other contributors (15)
  • David Lammy Lab Tottenham

    Question

    Is the Minister confident that they have uncovered the full extent of the cyber-attack, and what specific actions are being taken to respond to the attacks on parliamentarians?

    Minister reply

    The Government is committed to uncovering the full extent of the cyber threats. Specific responses include designating individuals under sanctions and providing technical advisories through NCSC.

  • David Lammy Lab Tottenham

    Question

    What additional steps are being taken ahead of the general election to protect democratic processes, including training Members and staff?

    Minister reply

    The Government is enhancing cyber-security offers through NCSC and parliamentary authorities. Training and support for identifying threats are provided to ensure digital communications protection.

  • David Lammy Lab Tottenham

    Question

    Will the Government establish a Democratic Resilience Centre, create a joint Home Office/Foreign Office cell, amend terror legislation to ban hostile state-sponsored organisations, and regulate AI companies?

    Minister reply

    The minister did not commit explicitly but highlighted ongoing efforts through NCSC, defending democracy taskforce, and inter-departmental collaboration.

  • David Lammy Lab Tottenham

    Question

    Questions the full extent of uncovered cyber-attack and asks for specific actions taken against it. Asks about steps to ensure democratic integrity ahead of general elections, mentioning training, equipment, support, and protection measures.

    Minister reply

    Minister expresses high confidence in uncovering the incident but emphasises continued vigilance. Specific preventive measures are in place through NCSC and House authorities. Minister highlights collective deterrent actions such as naming and shaming, diplomatic efforts, and personal cyber-security measures.

  • Theresa Villiers

    Question

    Asks for an update on Government actions in response to recommendations from the Intelligence and Security Committee's reports on Russia and China.

    Minister reply

    Minister acknowledges the importance of domestic legislation to prevent countries with malign intent from influencing democratic discourse, drawing a comparison between Russian and Chinese activities.

  • Brendan O'Hara SNP Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber

    Question

    Questions if mandatory cyber-security training for all MPs and staff is considered. Also inquires about proactive measures to defend the integrity of upcoming elections.

    Minister reply

    Minister appreciates the suggestion but does not advocate for mandatory training, instead highlighting enhanced offers from House authorities to ensure improved cyber-security practices among MPs and staff.

  • Bob Blackman Con Harrow East

    Question

    Welcomed the Minister's update on hostile emails and expressed concern over their impact on democracy, urging for a thorough investigation.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the issue of convincing phishing emails and highlighted that staff should seek guidance from House authorities to improve security.

  • Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey

    Question

    Commended the Minister's contribution but questioned if the response of sanctioning two individuals was sufficient, asking for more coordination across western democracies.

    Minister reply

    Stressed that although only two individuals were sanctioned, there is a significant institutional effort in collaboration with Five Eyes partners and enhanced resilience measures.

  • Simon Fell

    Question

    Expressed gratitude for the work done to increase awareness but questioned what protections would be offered to those outside Parliament who are also at risk.

    Minister reply

    Replied that guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre is available for businesses, especially those involved in critical national infrastructure.

  • Barry Sheerman

    Question

    Asked about specific actions taken and resources allocated to intelligence services to combat cyber threats.

    Minister reply

    Confirmed that legislation has been enacted to prevent foreign malign investment in critical infrastructure, with divestment measures already implemented.

  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Question

    Asked about conversations with the Electoral Commission regarding election security and plans for a whole-of-society approach.

    Minister reply

    Reiterated that there is constant vigilance, preventive work being carried out by the Defending Democracy Taskforce under the Security Minister.

  • Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney

    Question

    Pressed for the Government to consider Labour's proposal of establishing a democratic resilience centre.

    Minister reply

    Noted that similar work is already in place through the Defending Democracy Taskforce and the National Cyber Security Centre.

  • Sarah Edwards Lab Tamworth

    Question

    Asked for additional support offered to new Members on cyber-security, noting current induction processes are lacking.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledged the need for an improved offer and highlighted that House authorities are working to enhance cyber-hygiene practices.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Question

    Asked if the Government is prepared to act on reported threats and how they can demonstrate readiness in facing cyber-threats.

    Minister reply

    Emphasised that defensive cyber is an important part of national resilience, with significant work done but more still needed.

Shadow Comment

David Lammy

The Labour party condemns the cyber-attack by Russia's intelligence services targeting Members of Parliament and other public figures. The shadow questions whether the full extent of attacks has been uncovered, calls for additional measures to protect democratic processes ahead of elections, and urges the Government to establish a Democratic Resilience Centre and improve inter-departmental collaboration against hostile state activities. Labour also proposes urgent regulation of AI companies and adequate resourcing for NCSC and intelligence agencies.

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