Written question asked by Calum Miller (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 24 April 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Democracy: National Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has sought advice from the Intelligence Agencies on the potential threat to the integrity of UK democracy from (a) Russia, (b) Iran, (c) China and (d) other hostile states.

Answer: It is the longstanding policy of successive UK Governments that we do not comment on operational intelligence or security matters. The UK Government is committed to defending the integrity of the UK's democracy from all state threats, including through the Defending Democracy Taskforce (DDTF). This cross-government Taskforce brings together Ministers, along with representatives from the intelligence community and law enforcement, to coordinate the Government's work to protect our democracy and call out threats, including from Russia, China, and Iran; as the Minister whose portfolio includes national security, I represent the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Taskforce. For example, in December 2023 and March 2024, the Government publicly attributed and sanctioned groups affiliated with Russia and China respectively for interfering in the UK's democracy. The FCDO will continue to work with the DDTF and with the intelligence community to protect the UK's democratic integrity.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 48060
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: China Democracy Intelligence services National security Iran Russia
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk