Undersea Infrastructure 2025-02-10
2025-02-10
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Questions & Answers
Q1
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Context
The question addresses the growing threat to undersea infrastructure from malicious actors, particularly highlighted by the activities of the Russian spy ship Yantar.
What steps he is taking to protect undersea infrastructure. Will he prioritise development of underwater capabilities, such as uncrewed systems, including under pillar 2 of AUKUS, and will he increase research and development investment into systems that could protect critical undersea infrastructure?
We are seeing more risks posed to our critical underwater infrastructure by players who wish harm to our national security. We already have brilliant capability in RFA Proteus, which is able to support our infrastructure and that of our allies. When the strategic defence review is published in the spring, there will be more developments in that direction.
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Q2
Partial Answer
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In light of the threat to undersea infrastructure highlighted by the Yantar incident, there is a call for immediate increase in defence spending.
Does the serious situation with the Yantar show that we need to increase our defence spending as quickly as possible to defend our crucial infrastructure and protect national security?
We are increasing our defence spending. In the Budget, we increased defence spending by £3 billion, and in the spring, after the publication of the strategic defence review, we will set out a path to spending 2.5% of our GDP on defence.
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Q3
Partial Answer
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The hostile activity of surveying undersea cables poses a serious threat to the economy, public services, and social order.
Given the hostile activity undertaken—the surveying of our cables—can Ministers give assurances that the full needs of our Navy will be reflected in the strategic defence review so we can defend our homeland security?
As a Navy brat and representative of a naval constituency, I understand the importance. It is not just the Royal Navy that defends our critical national infrastructure; it involves the RAF, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and other forces working together to defend our interests. We have formidable capabilities to protect ourselves.
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