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Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. It was answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Telecommunications Cables: Seas and Oceans

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the threats to national security presented by the cutting and other interception of subsea communication cables.

Answer

The Government recognises the increasing threat to the homeland from state actors and that critical national infrastructure, including subsea cables, will continue to be a target.

As the threat landscape evolves, it is essential to ensure that our risk assessments remain robust and fit for purpose. All risks in the National Risk Register, including the risk related to subsea cables, are kept under review to ensure that they are the most appropriate scenarios to inform emergency preparedness and resilience activity. We are currently reviewing and updating our assessments of risks to the UK’s subsea telecommunications cables.

While individual cables are vulnerable to damage, the UK’s international connectivity is resilient, supported by 45 international cables as well as high‑capacity fibre links running through the Channel Tunnel.

DSIT continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Defence and other government departments to ensure the security and resilience of the UK’s subsea telecommunications infrastructure.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL14540
Session
2024-26
Subjects
National security Seas and oceans Telecommunications cables
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk