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Written question asked by Kevin Hollinrake (Conservative) on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Telephone Exchanges: Tower Hamlets

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Pursuant to the answer of 5 November 2025, to Question 85833, on Telephone Exchanges: Tower Hamlets, whether she has had discussions with BT Openreach on the potential closure or relocation of the CL-WAP telephone and internet exchange adjacent to the site of the planned Chinese Embassy.

Answer

The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure.

The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework, requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce and prepare for the risks of security compromise. Public telecoms providers are responsible for the cyber-security of their own networks, in line with their obligations under this framework. Ofcom, as the telecoms regulator, is responsible for monitoring and enforcing their compliance with those obligations.

DSIT is responsible for developing policies, including legislation, to help ensure the security of the UK’s public telecoms networks and services. DSIT works with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), as the UK’s lead technical authority for cyber security. The NCSC provides advice to government and industry on cyber-security threats and vulnerabilities.

HM Government, including the NCSC, has regular engagement with the UK’s largest telecoms providers across a range of policy areas, including national security. However, it would not be appropriate to comment on discussions related to national security.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
113798
Session
2024-26
Related items
Telephone Exchanges: Tower Hamlets
Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Location Telephone exchanges Tower Hamlets Chinese Embassy Openreach
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk