Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Biosecurity Threats

Monday 20 May 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to detect biosecurity threats by funding the UK Microbial Forensics Consortium
  • Working closely with the UK Health Security Agency and other departments to ensure biosecurity against synthetic new threats
  • Acknowledgment of concerns regarding Russian interference and affirmation of preparedness for such threats

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matthew Hancock Con
Defence
Context

Defence is focused on detecting biological threats which require collaboration across departments.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help detect biosecurity threats. We continue to work closely with the Cabinet Office and are prioritising funding for the UK Microbial Forensics Consortium.

Answer from Leo Docherty

Defence remains committed to detecting biological threats. We continue to work closely with the Cabinet Office on this matter and are the lead Department for the “detect” pillar of the biological security strategy. We have prioritised funding to create the UK Microbial Forensics Consortium, which will strengthen our ability to detect biosecurity threats.

Answered
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Q2 Matthew Hancock Con
NHS Defence
Context

Concern about the rising costs of biosecurity failures and the need to address synthetic threats.

Question

Will the Minister ensure that he works with the Cabinet Office, UK Health Security Agency, Department of Health and Social Care and others to ensure biosecurity, including protection from synthetic new threats, is at the top of the agenda? As funding for defence increases to 2.5% of GDP.

Answer from Leo Docherty

We certainly will. Through the biological security strategy and the associated governance structure, we are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency to co-ordinate our response to the biodefence risk, and we are investing £5 million a year in our international biosecurity programme.

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Q3 Barry Sheerman Lab
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

Concerns about increasing Russian interference in the economy and other aspects of British life.

Question

Does the Minister agree that there are real concerns in light of recent reports about the increasing recklessness with which Russian operatives may interfere in our economy, directly and indirectly, and every other aspect of British lives? Are we prepared for that kind of mischievousness?

Answer from Leo Docherty

Yes, we are.

Not addressed: Specific measures and preparedness not addressed

How: One Word Answer

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