Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Update on Government Security

29 April 2024 · Cabinet Office

Proposed by Alex Burghart Con Brentwood and Ongar

DefenceForeign Affairs

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

View on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Key points

  • UK government departments have stopped deploying visual surveillance systems from companies affected by the National Intelligence Law of the People's Republic of China on sensitive sites.
  • Departments are advised against connecting this equipment to core networks.
  • Work to remove and replace the equipment is ahead of schedule, with 70% of sites expected to complete removal by October 2023 and full replacement by April 2025.

Issue summary

The UK government is addressing potential security risks associated with visual surveillance systems produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China.

Action requested

Departments have ceased deploying such equipment on sensitive sites and are advised not to connect it to core networks. Work is progressing ahead of schedule, with around 70% of sites expected to remove this equipment by October 2023 and all sites completing replacement no later than April 2025.

Key facts

  • Government instructed departments in November 2022 to cease deployment of surveillance equipment on sensitive sites produced by companies subject to the National Intelligence Law of the People’s Republic of China.
  • Departments advised not to connect such equipment to core networks and to consider expediting removal rather than awaiting upgrades.
  • In June 2023, the Government committed to setting out a timeline for removing such equipment from sensitive sites during the Report stage of the Procurement Act.
  • To date, the vast majority of sensitive sites never deployed the affected equipment.
  • Approximately 50% of sites that did deploy the equipment have now had it replaced.
  • Work is on track to remove remaining devices with approximately 70% of sites expected to complete by October 2023 and all sites by April 2025.
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