Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hostile State Threats

Monday 24 February 2025 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Home Office is implementing measures from the National Security Act 2023 to strengthen defences against state threats.
  • All threats, regardless of origin, are treated seriously by working closely with the police and operational agencies.
  • Privacy and security are not at odds; robust safeguards and independent oversight ensure data is obtained only when necessary and proportionate.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Sewards Lab Leeds South West and Morley
Democracy & Elections
Context

Hostile states are using unknowing security officials in the UK to undermine national security, with Russia and Iran employing this tactic according to MI5's director general. The Home Office recently issued guidance on due diligence.

Question

What steps is her Department taking to counter hostile state threats, particularly working with the security industry to ensure protection against these tactics?

Answer from The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)

The Home Office is implementing measures from the National Security Act 2023 to strengthen defences against state threats. Following recent guidance, we are organising targeted engagement events across the security industry and attending key conferences to ensure that all officials understand the risks and can handle threats effectively.

Partly answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Paramilitary groups across the UK work with hostile states, posing a security threat.

Question

What is being done to ensure that paramilitary groups in the UK who represent hostile states are taken on effectively?

Answer from The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)

All threats, regardless of origin, are treated seriously. We work closely with the police and operational agencies around the clock to keep the public safe from such dangers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures against paramilitary groups were not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Democracy & Elections
Context

Apple discontinued advanced data protection services in the UK due to Home Office demands for back-door access, raising concerns about civil liberties. Liberal Democrats argue that investigatory powers must be proportionate.

Question

What steps is the Minister taking to ensure proper protection of national security and civil liberties? Why does the Government believe Apple’s UK customers should not have the same privacy rights as those in other countries?

Answer from The Minister for Security (Dan Jarvis)

I cannot confirm or deny the existence of any notices under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 due to national security reasons. Privacy and security are not at odds; robust safeguards and independent oversight ensure data is obtained only when necessary and proportionate.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Operational details were avoided

How: I Cannot Comment On Operational Matters, Cannot Confirm Or Deny

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email