Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Subsea Telecommunications Cables Resilience and Crisis Preparedness 2026-01-08

08 January 2026 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

EconomyTransportScience & Technology

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Matt Western raised concerns about subsea telecommunications cables resilience and crisis preparedness 2026-01-08 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The UK's subsea cables carry 99% of international data and support $1.5 trillion in global cross-border trading.
  • Vulnerabilities in the subsea cable network stem from fragmented governance and outdated laws.
  • The Committee recommends establishing an oversight board and updating impact assessments.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

The UK's subsea cables are critical to its economic prosperity and global influence, carrying 99% of international data and $1.5 trillion-worth in global cross-border trading. Vulnerabilities exist due to fragmented governance and outdated laws. The Committee recommends establishing an oversight board, updating impact assessments, strengthening contingency planning, enhancing security standards at landing stations, developing a sovereign cable repair ship by 2030, and improving military deterrence.

Other contributors (6)
  • Julian Lewis Con New Forest East

    Asked if the findings of the Committee align with recent headlines from the Council on Geostrategy think-tank that cutting just 60 cables could affect 99% of UK data. Matt Western acknowledged the report's points and noted potential for rerouting traffic through alternative routes.

  • Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi Lab Slough

    Commended the work on the subsea cables report, agreeing that robust military deterrents are needed to protect against deliberate damage. Suggested looking at how NATO allies handle similar threats.

  • Bernard Jenkin Con Harwich and North Essex

    Congratulated Matt Western on the report quality and questioned the effectiveness of international law in deterring vandalism to subsea cables, suggesting more decisive actions should be taken against ships breaching laws.

  • Matt Western Lab Warwick and Leamington

    The hon. Member for Warwick and Leamington emphasised the need for international co-operation in protecting subsea cables, noting that due to the private sector's involvement, it is crucial for Governments to work closely with friendly nations facing similar challenges.

  • Mark Francois Con Rayleigh and Wickford

    The right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford expressed support for including a cable repair ship in the new defence equipment programme, but highlighted delays in obtaining a defence investment plan from the Government.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The hon. Member for Strangford welcomed the Select Committee’s report and noted that while the UK's NATO membership provides protection across the Irish Sea, the Republic of Ireland remains vulnerable due to its lack of NATO membership, highlighting the need for collaboration with EU and Ireland.

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