National Resilience 2025-12-04

2025-12-04

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
Gideon Amos LD
Taunton and Wellington
Context
The UK Hydrographic Office's role in maritime security is highlighted, including its contributions to the Royal Navy. The questioner mentions the office's location in his constituency and suggests a cross-sector approach involving local universities.
From the first ever charts by Captain Cook to real-time digital mapping, the UK Hydrographic Office enables and keeps our Royal Navy safe at sea—operating quite literally under the radar. Will the Minister pay tribute to the hundreds of people in my constituency who work at the office, and will he support a cross-sector approach to energy cables, telecommunication cables and their security, bringing in the University of Plymouth, University Centre Somerset and the Hydrographic Office in my constituency?
I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to the important work of the UK Hydrographic Office and its vital contribution to the UK’s maritime security. The Cabinet Office plays a central role to cohere cross-Government efforts to secure the UK’s undersea infrastructure. Given the growing prominence of this issue, lead Departments are engaging with industry partners, and we will continue this inclusive approach as we support the Royal Navy to take a leading role to secure our undersea infrastructure.
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Susan Murray LD
Mid Dunbartonshire
Context
The Russian spy ship Yantar has been probing UK infrastructure in the North Sea, using high-powered lasers against an RAF plane monitoring its activity. This poses a threat to pilots' lives.
The Russian spy ship Yantar has been probing our infrastructure in the North sea. While doing so, its crew used high-powered lasers against an RAF plane monitoring their activity, threatening the lives of our pilots. What steps are the Government taking to secure our critical strategic infrastructure in the North sea and to ensure clear and serious consequences for Russia when it carries out aggressive and dangerous military activity off our coasts?
The hon. Lady and the House will understand that I am limited in what I can say in my response, but I can assure her that Russia is a top national security priority for the Government, and UK law enforcement has recently secured a range of convictions in this area. I will have more to say about this later today.
Assessment & feedback
Specific steps regarding the Russian spy ship Yantar were not detailed
Limited In What I Can Say
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Euan Stainbank Lab
Falkirk
Context
Chinese manufacturers have gained market share in the UK, with recent investigations into safety risks from Chinese buses. The 10-year bus pipeline is expected imminently.
Considering that Chinese state-subsidised manufacturers have gained a rising market share in the UK over the past few years, that the Department for Transport and the National Cyber Security Centre have recently announced an investigation into kill switches in Chinese buses, and that the 10-year bus pipeline is expected imminently, will the Minister be raising our Government’s concerns about Chinese buses directly with the Chinese Government?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend, not just for his question today, but for the important work that he has done in this particular area, in his constituency and across Scotland. I have listened carefully to what he has had to say this morning, and I would be happy to discuss it with him further.
Assessment & feedback
Direct engagement with Chinese government was not confirmed
Would Be Happy To Discuss
Response accuracy