Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

National Security

Monday 20 June 2022 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to update state powers through the National Security Bill to protect against modern threats like cyber-attacks and election interference.
  • The Home Secretary reaffirmed the UK's partnership with Rwanda to deter people traffickers and support a humane approach to migration.
  • The Government maintains that the National Security Bill does not pose a threat to journalistic freedoms, emphasizing protections in the Online Safety Bill.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Defence Democracy & Elections
Context

The MI5 director general recently called for modernisation of state powers to protect from today's threats.

Question

The MI5 director general said Parliament should look at modernising state powers to protect against a full range of today's threats. Can my right hon Friend confirm we are heeding the advice and that our National Security Bill will protect us from emerging threats like cyber-attacks and election interference?

Answer from Damian Hinds

I can confirm. The National Security Bill keeps pace with changing threat and makes the UK a harder target for hostile acts. It will address state-backed attacks on critical assets, including data and infrastructure. I thank my hon Friend for his support of national security.

Answered
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Q2 Chris Clarkson
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Labour party's inconsistent stance on the Rwanda asylum seeker relocation policy.

Question

The Labour party has conflicting statements from different leaders regarding scrapping or maintaining the Rwanda policy. Can my right hon Friend assure us that we will work to break the vile business model of people traffickers by ensuring the Rwanda flights operate soon?

Answer from Damian Hinds

My hon Friend is correct. We hear opposing from Labour but no proposing; they complain without plans. Our partnership with Rwanda supports a humane, proportionate approach and we are determined to deter wicked people smugglers causing great damage.

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting the Rwanda policy to break traffickers' business model

How: Criticising Opposition Stance

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Q3 Paul Holmes Con Hamble Valley
Democracy & Elections
Context

A concern raised about the National Security Bill potentially threatening freedom of the press.

Question

Has the Home Secretary considered dangers to freedom of the press from the National Security Bill? Many constituents are concerned that measures preventing journalists from publishing public interest stories are undemocratic.

Answer from Damian Hinds

No danger to journalistic freedoms. The Government takes stringent steps to ensure journalistic rights in the Online Safety Bill, recognising their vital role in democracy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about dangers to freedom of press from National Security Bill

How: Referencing Unrelated Bill

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Q4 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Democracy & Elections
Context

A concern raised about the National Security Bill potentially threatening freedom of the press.

Question

Has the Home Secretary considered dangers to freedom of the press that the National Security Bill presents? Many constituents are concerned that measures preventing journalists from publishing public interest stories are undemocratic.

Answer from Damian Hinds

No, I do not see a danger to journalist's freedoms. The Government is taking stringent steps in the Online Safety Bill to ensure journalistic rights and freedoms are absolutely to the fore, because of their vital role in democracy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about dangers to freedom of press from National Security Bill

How: Referencing Unrelated Bill

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Q5 Holly Lynch Lab
Ukraine
Context

Inquiries about sanctions on individuals linked to Vladimir Putin following Canada's announcement of similar measures.

Question

Canada announced sanctions against 14 people, including Alexander Lebedev, for their support of the regime that has caused pain in Ukraine. I have asked this question six times but did not get an answer: did the Prime Minister meet Alexander Lebedev without officials and close protection during Salisbury poisonings in April 2018—yes or no?

Answer from Damian Hinds

I do not know the detailed contents of either individual's diary. The Government have acted on sanctions against Putin-linked elites without fear, extending to more than 1,000 individuals and entities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about PM meeting Lebedev under specified conditions

How: Refusal To Answer Directly

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