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UK Biobank Data
23 April 2026
Lead MP
Ian Murray
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Foreign Affairs
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Ian Murray raised concerns about uk biobank data in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
UK Biobank is a non-profit charity that shares data from its volunteer participants for medical research. On April 20, it was discovered that participant data was advertised on Alibaba’s platforms in China. The Government took immediate action to remove the listings and revoke access to three research institutions identified as sources of the information. UK Biobank has also paused further data downloads and will enhance safeguards upon implementation of a new system. Participants' personal details were not included, only medical data from those who consented to sharing for global research purposes. The Government is issuing new guidance on data control in response and urges businesses to ensure secure systems.
Lincoln Jopp
Lab
Dudley South
Question
The MP questions the detail provided by the Minister regarding what data was in the listings, whether it could be used to identify participants individually or mosaically, and asks for clarity on sanctions available against research institutions involved. He also raises concerns about the risk assessment of Russian, Iranian, or North Korean research institutions with access.
Minister reply
The minister responds by stating that UK Biobank is investigating how data ended up being advertised online and will ensure security measures are enhanced to prevent future occurrences. He does not provide specific details on what sanctions might be imposed but reiterates the seriousness of the breach and the Government's commitment to protecting participants' data.
Question
I thank the Minister for his statement and for prior sight of it. This is indeed a serious breach... (full question as per transcript)
Minister reply
I thank the shadow Minister for the way in which he has approached this matter—indeed, with his expertise as a former COO of a tech company. Let me answer his questions directly... (full answer as per transcript)
Question
Health datasets of the size that UK Biobank has are incredibly important, because they allow us to find answers to the huge health challenges that many of us face, whether that is pain, as the Minister referred to, dementia or heart conditions. My concern is that this breach will make people think twice before donating their data... (full question as per transcript)
Minister reply
My hon. Friend makes an incredibly important point. I will say from the Dispatch Box that we should encourage more participation in UK Biobank. It is a global leader in research and is funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Medical Research Council. It also receives significant funding from Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the National Institute for Health and Care Research... (full answer as per transcript)
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Collins expressed concern over a second breach at UK Biobank, where sensitive medical data was posted online without consent. She urged the Government to hold UK Biobank accountable and ensure strict protocols are followed, including technical barriers to prevent unauthorized downloads and an apology for volunteers.
Minister reply
Murray clarified that this was not a leak but a legitimate download by accredited users which violated terms of use. He stated that all access has been paused, the board is working on technical fixes, and an apology will be issued. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is also involved in the investigation.
Adam Thompson
Lab
Gower
Question
Thompson expressed concern that researchers will not be generally prevented from accessing data appropriately in the future.
Minister reply
Murray assured that UK Biobank is working on a technical fix and that all access has been paused until this issue is resolved. He emphasised the importance of allowing researchers to continue their work safely once the system is secure.
Richard Tice
Con
Erith and Thamesmead
Question
Tice questioned whether Chinese researchers should be excluded in the future due to data theft, suggesting that the UK taxpayer's funding of £200 million for UK Biobank (£15 million annually) is being abused.
Minister reply
Murray stated that thousands of Chinese researchers have been working safely and securely on UK Biobank data since 2012. The issue was a loophole in the system allowing datasets to be downloaded, not abuse by Chinese researchers. Banning them would hinder global research progress.
Lauren Sullivan
SNP
Glasgow North East
Question
Sullivan welcomed UK Biobank’s actions and asked for a commitment on the technical solution to protect data, given concerns about AI bots publishing papers.
Minister reply
Murray confirmed that significant undertakings have been made by UK Biobank to identify loopholes and tighten up the system. The Government insisted on pausing all access until these measures are in place.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Shannon asked if the data breach reached Northern Ireland, affecting universities like Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University.
Minister reply
Murray confirmed that the system pause affects researchers temporarily. However, UK Biobank is working to resolve this quickly to ensure no long-term disruption.
Question
As someone familiar with UK Biobank, I ask for assurance that the data is scrupulously anonymised and deanonymisation is exceptionally difficult. Will you also confirm continued Government support once processes causing the breach are addressed?
Minister reply
Yes, we will provide full support to UK Biobank to resolve immediate issues and secure their system. We acknowledge the importance of transparently ensuring data safety for the benefit of medical research.
Question
I thank the Minister for his statement and agree that UK Biobank is an excellent resource. Although this issue isn't a cyber-security breach, will you join me in welcoming the Government’s Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill? Will the Minister also acknowledge the importance of ensuring data safety across all industries?
Minister reply
In response to my hon. Friend's previous comments on football, I commend his contributions here as well. We take cyber-security seriously through legislation such as the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and Information Systems) Bill. Free tools are available from the Government for businesses and institutions to enhance their security.
Shadow Comment
Lincoln Jopp
Shadow Comment
The shadow criticises the Minister's statement for lacking detail about what was in the leaked data, whether it can be used to identify participants, and if sanctions will be imposed on institutions involved. He questions the Government’s risk assessment regarding research institutions based in Russia, Iran, or North Korea with access to UK Biobank data. The shadow also asks why a previous amendment for maintaining a register of hostile cyber actors was voted down and calls for a review of this decision.
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