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Written question asked by Lord Mott (Conservative) on Monday, 9 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 March 2026. It was answered by Lord Hanson of Flint (Labour) on Monday, 23 March 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.


Defending Democracy Taskforce

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the remit of the Defending Democracy Taskforce will be extended to consider what action may be required to protect democratic integrity in the UKĀ from sectarianism.

Answer

The Defending Democracy Taskforce (DDTF) has a mandate from the Prime Minister to coordinate and drive forward a whole of government response to the full range of threats to our democracy, including protecting democratic integrity.

The Taskforce monitors evolving threats as they arise and remains flexible to respond effectively and promptly where necessary.

For example, the Joint Election Security and Preparedness (JESP) Unit, which sits jointly between Cabinet Office and the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government is standing up an election cell ahead of upcoming local elections in England and devolved elections in Scotland and Wales.

This brings together government departments, the police, the intelligence agencies, the Devolved Governments, and external partners to monitor and respond to any emerging issues across physical, cyber and information security.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15351
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Radicalism Defending Democracy Taskforce
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk