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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026. It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Friday, 5 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Telecommunications Cables: Seas and Oceans

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the UK deploying a sovereign maritime cable repair capability.

Answer

The Government recognises the importance of a UK-based and UK-flagged subsea telecoms cable repair vessel. This enables a rapid response to cable breaks in UK waters and ensures that vessel is under UK jurisdiction.

DSIT is exploring options for securing UK-based and UK-flagged repair capability for the long term. To date, DSIT has undertaken a period of market engagement, an ‘RFI’ (Request for Information), with a range of organisations active in the subsea repair sector.

We are using this market engagement to fully assess the range of options available to Government and determine next steps

DSIT continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and other government departments to ensure UK can respond effectively to any disruption affecting the UK’s subsea telecommunications infrastructure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
3606
Session
2026-27
Related items
Telecommunications Cables: Seas and Oceans
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Electric cables Repairs and maintenance Seas and oceans Telecommunications cables
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk