VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Electric Cables and Telecommunications Cables: Seas and Oceans

Asked by Stephen GethinsScottish National PartyMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 7 March 2025UIN 35295

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to protect (a) undersea cables and (b) critical maritime infrastructure.

Answered by Luke Pollard

We are committed to maintaining and enhancing the security and resilience of critical undersea infrastructure including subsea cables. We continue to co-ordinate with HMG partners, particularly DSIT and DESNZ who own critical undersea infrastructure policy, as well as security partners, industry, and international bodies to assess and understand risks to this infrastructure.

On 22 January 2025, the Secretary of State made a statement in the House about the malign activities of the Russian Spy Ship Yantar and efforts by the RAF, Royal Navy and the RFA to deter Russians loitering over UK critical underwater infrastructure.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim