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Telecommunications (Security) Bill - Sitting 7

26 January 2021

Proposing MP
Philip Hollobone Con
Kettering
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

MP Philip Hollobone is discussing clauses related to Ofcom's powers to enforce compliance with security duties in the Telecommunications (Security) Bill. MP Philip Hollobone is discussing clauses related to telecommunications security and reporting requirements. Chi Onwurah is addressing concerns about the diversity of the supply chain in relation to national security and proposing an amendment to include network supply chain diversification in Ofcom’s annual security report. The statement discusses amendments to the Telecommunications (Security) Bill, specifically regarding Ofcom's reporting requirements and information-gathering powers for security functions. The statement addresses an amendment to the Telecommunications (Security) Bill, specifically clause 14, which aims to increase parliamentary scrutiny of the bill's effectiveness. The amendment proposes requiring the Secretary of State to consider intelligence services' advice when deciding whether to issue a designated vendor direction for national security reasons. MP Philip Hollobone is proposing amendments to require the Secretary of State to prioritize advice from intelligence services and consider data flow control when issuing designation notices under the Telecommunications (Security) Bill. The statement discusses the Telecommunications (Security) Bill, focusing on clauses that grant the Secretary of State powers to issue designated vendor directions and designation notices for national security purposes. The MP is responding to a minister's statement regarding the Telecommunications (Security) Bill. Chi Onwurah is discussing amendments to address concerns about future vendor designations and data flow control. The statement discusses amendments to ensure parliamentary oversight by providing information to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament in cases where national security concerns prevent certain documents from being laid before Parliament. Chris Matheson is discussing an amendment related to parliamentary oversight of orders made under the Telecommunications (Security) Bill by referring them to the Intelligence and Security Committee. The MP discusses the need for parliamentary scrutiny of security-related decisions made by non-traditional departments like DCMS and BEIS, emphasizing the importance of extending ISC's remit to cover these areas. Philip Hollobone clarifies the current topic of discussion and advises Chi Onwurah to save her remarks for the next debate on clause 17 stand part. Philip Hollobone is informing the committee that the session has ended and will resume later.

Action Requested

The MP proposes that clauses 7, 8, 9, and 10 should stand part of the Bill, allowing for further discussion on these sections during the committee meeting.

Key Facts

  • Clause 6 provides Ofcom with strengthened powers to assess compliance with security duties.
  • Clause 7 relates to Ofcom's enforcement powers.
  • Clauses 8, 9, and 10 are proposed to stand part of the Bill for discussion.
  • The MP discusses clauses related to Ofcom's reporting on matters related to security.
  • Amendment 14 seeks to include network supply chain diversification in Ofcom reports on security.
  • The MP proposes that clauses 11, 12, and 13 stand part of the Bill without further amendment.
  • The amendment aims to ensure Ofcom includes supply chain diversification in its annual security report.
  • Supply chain diversification is vital to protecting national security by limiting exposure to vulnerabilities.
  • Dr Alexi Drew from Kings College, London, testified that a secure network cannot exist without a diverse supply chain.
  • Clause 11 inserts a new section into the Communications Act 2003 requiring Ofcom to produce annual security reports.
  • Amendment 14 would require Ofcom to assess the impact of supply chain diversity on security but is deemed unnecessary by the Minister.
  • The Government has announced an initial £250 million investment for diversification in the 5G supply chain.
  • Amendment requires reports not more than 12 months apart for the first 5 years.
  • Reports must be published within a year of the Bill being passed.
  • Clause 14 currently mandates reviews at least every five years.
  • Amendment 16 seeks to add (2A) to clause 15.
  • The amendment requires the Secretary of State to take into account intelligence services' advice when considering whether a designated vendor direction is necessary for national security reasons.
  • Intelligence services include the National Cyber Security Centre within GCHQ.
  • Amendment 17 requires the Secretary of State to take into account advice from the Intelligence Services when considering designation notices.
  • Amendment 18 mandates consideration of a person’s control over data flows in issuing designation notices.
  • Clause 16 and 17 amendments seek to ensure parliamentary scrutiny through reporting on supply chain diversity impact.
  • The Bill allows the Secretary of State to issue designated vendor directions to public communications providers for national security purposes.
  • Amendment 16 aims to place a statutory requirement on the Secretary of State to take into account advice from intelligence services when issuing designated vendor directions.
  • The government will consider the diversity of the supply chain before issuing designation notices and designated vendor directions.
  • The Telecommunications (Security) Bill is under discussion.
  • The MP, Kevan Jones, thanks the Minister for his reply.
  • Amendment 18 adds 'the person’s control of data flows' to clause 16.
  • Amendment 19 requires a report on the impact of designation notices on telecoms market supply chain diversity.
  • The amendment addresses future vendor designations and network security risks.
  • Amendment 20 would ensure that the Intelligence and Security Committee is provided with any information relating to a direction or notice which cannot be laid before Parliament on grounds of national security.
  • Amendments 22, 23, 24, and 25 propose similar requirements for notifications, decisions, and directions under specific sections of the Bill.
  • These amendments aim to enable parliamentary oversight in cases where information is withheld due to national security.
  • The amendment falls into one of three areas identified as necessary improvements for parliamentary oversight.
  • The amendments relate to different clauses but aim to ensure correct parliamentary oversight through the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC).
  • Matheson acknowledges that the ISC has worked well with the confidence of the House, providing a secure forum for decisions.
  • The ISC’s remit is defined by the Justice and Security Act 2013.
  • Decisions made under the Telecommunications (Security) Bill and National Security and Investment Bill require scrutiny from Parliament.
  • Parliamentary scrutiny does not necessitate a public veto or embarrassment for the Government.
  • The discussion is about amendments 20 and 22 to 25.
  • Clause 17 stand part will be discussed next.
  • The Committee was adjourned at 11:25 am.
  • The next session will resume on the same day at 2 pm.
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