Tag Archives: HM Government

In a speech during a trade visit at the Diplomatic Academy, attended by senior members of the Paraguayan government, Mr Mundell focused on strengthening ties between Scotland and Paraguay, and the future of international trade as we leave the EU. He also spoke, on the third anniversary of the 2014 independence vote, about Scottish politics and working with the Scottish Government on Brexit.

On international trade, Mr Mundell said:

“Both our countries are very different now than they were 20 years ago. We find ourselves in a very different world. Amid all the change around us, it is encouraging that our relationship has strengthened in the last few years.

“This includes the promotion and protection of around $120 million worth of British investments in the Paraguayan economy. But there is much more we can do. So it mustn’t be another twenty years.

“I see my visit here this week as the start of a stronger, closer relationship. This is part of a fundamental step-change in the UK’s global trade policy. Looking at our global trade policy, leaving the EU will be transformative.

“Of course, a significant part of the trade we currently do is underpinned by trade deals we are a part of through our membership with the EU. We are taking a sensible, pragmatic approach to these deals. That is why we will continue to support the EU’s trade agenda, including continued support for the ongoing negotiations of the EU-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement. As we leave the EU, we look forward to building upon that progress with Paraguay and the other Mercosur members.”

Reflecting on 20 years of devolution, Mr Mundell said:

“We need to pull together at home. We need to be ready for Brexit.

“Our two countries have changed over the past 20 years. In the UK, one of the biggest changes has been to devolve power closer to the people and to create a parliament in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and legislative assemblies for Wales, in Cardiff, and Northern Ireland, in Belfast.

“When our Lord President of the Council visited Paraguay in 1996, they did not exist. Now, a UK without them is unimaginable.

“Last week we celebrated the 20th anniversary of a referendum in Scotland when the people voted overwhelmingly in favour of creating a parliament. It means that in Scotland we are at the heart of a strong, secure UK while having the ability to take different decisions, specific to Scotland’s needs and priorities, in devolved areas.

“This powerful feeling that we enjoy the best of the both worlds carried the day in 2014 when the Nationalist government in Edinburgh held a referendum on Scottish independence. Their proposal to take Scotland out of the UK was firmly rejected.

“Devolution – not independence – is the clear and settled will of the Scottish people and its achievements over the past 20 years have been considerable.

Mr Mundell stated the need for common UK-wide frameworks:

“’For more than 40 years, as members of the EU, we have taken a common approach, shared by all Member States, to a wide range of policy areas. This has ensured consistency within the UK, even after the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. A common UK-wide approach to many policy areas was built in to the devolution settlements.

“The question we need to answer now as we leave the EU is this: Where do we need to retain a UK-wide approach? And where can power returning from Brussels be transferred direct to the Scottish Parliament and other devolved institutions?

“We want to find common sense answers to these questions. For us, that will mean maintaining common, UK-wide frameworks in some areas in order to protect one of our biggest assets, our UK internal market. I am not prepared to see barriers emerge to trade within the UK, which would be extremely damaging for Scottish firms and for business across the UK.

“It is also essential that we safeguard our ability to enter into and implement trade deals or other international obligations. That is what we are talking about when we say we need common frameworks. But equally, we are clear that we will devolve powers unless there is a reason not to.

“The result will be a Scottish Parliament more powerful than it is today – indeed more powerful than it has ever been.‎”

He spoke of working with the Scottish Government on Brexit issues and that independence is not the answer:

“Behind the scenes, that work has been happening and I am pleased to report we are making progress. But frankly, up to now, private progress has been overshadowed by public rhetoric.

“We have been accused by the Nationalist government in Edinburgh of a ‘power grab,’ of using our exit from the EU as an opportunity to centralise power at Westminster. That is simply not the case. Our record demonstrates our commitment to devolution.

“As a former MSP I want to see the Scottish Parliament strengthened and that is what will happen as we leave the EU. But I’m equally clear I want to see devolution delivered in a way that strengthens our United Kingdom – not undermines it. And this, sadly, goes to the heart of the matter.

“The fact is, until the recent election in June, the Brexit debate in Scotland was deliberately conflated with the question of Scottish independence.

“Despite the passage of only three short years – and despite the decisive result – the Scottish National Party – sought to use Brexit to re-open the issue that divided our country so badly.

“Their attempt was roundly rejected in the recent general election so we now need the issues to be de-coupled for good. The First Minister Nicola Sturgeon could put that to bed once and for all by ruling out a second independence referendum at her conference this autumn, and I hope she does.

“But whether or not she goes that far, I was heartened by her commitment in her Programme for Government to put the day job back front and centre. That is what people in Scotland asked for in June, and that is what they deserve.

“I look forward to the Autumn heralding the start of a more mature approach – where public rhetoric on all sides reflects the serious and constructive work achieved in private.”

He summed up his hopes for a stronger relationship between Scotland, the UK and Paraguay – and in particular his hopes for the whisky industry:

“Around half of the UK’s exports to Paraguay come from Scotland – mainly in the form of Scotch Whisky. I understand that this has been rising steadily over the years.

“This is welcome, of course. But twenty years ago, we were exporting three times as much Scotch Whisky to Paraguay as we are now. This is something I want to see turned around in the coming years, and which I see as a real Scottish opportunity. And trust me, as a connoisseur of Scotch whisky, a breakthrough in whisky exports will be for your enjoyment as much as ours.

“Scotch is a big deal here in South America, with the Scotch Whisky Association reporting sales of over £200 million. Scotland’s biggest export is being enjoyed by millions, from Colombia to Argentina, and from Brazil to Chile.

“South America is a continent of opportunity, a marketplace of 400 million people, and home to several growing economies, including Paraguay. As these economies grow, I am certain Scottish companies will be at the forefront of this. In agriculture, education, energy, food and drink, and financial services.

“Scotland’s skills, products and services are highly regarded globally, and we can build on that as we strike ambitious new trade deals and build relationships around the world. I am delighted to be here to bang the drum for businesses in Scotland and across the whole of the United Kingdom.

“I’ll not pretend that we don’t face challenges. We face tough negotiations with our EU partners to secure the right Brexit deal for the UK. Within the UK we must bring powers back from Brussels in a way that respects and strengthens the devolution of decision-making to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

“We must show an adventurous new spirit to reach out to the rest of the world and strike trade agreements that will benefit us all. We want to forge new partnerships and – as I sincerely hope my visit to Paraguay demonstrates – deepen ties with old friends.

“But as I hope I’ve shown, we approach all this with clear principles and a real commitment to work with others.”

read more

Madame President, Excellencies, and distinguished guests,

The United Kingdom associates itself with the statement made by the distinguished representative of Estonia on behalf of the European Union.

I would like to congratulate you, Madame President, on your election as President of the 61st General Conference, and thank the IAEA for its hard work in organising this event.

I would also like to express the gratitude of the United Kingdom for the leadership of Director General Amano, and thank him for his distinguished service during his second term in office. The UK looks forward to continuing our collaboration with him and the Agency to secure the future of civil nuclear energy and applications.

The United Kingdom welcomes the application for membership of the Agency by Grenada.

UK priorities

Madame President,

Following the government’s announcement of its intention to leave the Euratom Treaty, I would like to affirm the UK’s continuing strong support for the civil nuclear industry, for the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards, for the development of peaceful applications of nuclear technology, and for the IAEA’s central role in achieving these goals.

In that spirit, I would like to highlight some of the UK’s key objectives for the year ahead:

• To continue our commitment to civil nuclear energy both in the UK and internationally;
• To maintain robust nuclear safety, security, emergency preparedness and response, and safeguards regimes, and support their implementation; and,
• To promote the peaceful uses of new and existing civil nuclear technologies around the world, while ensuring an effective international nuclear non-proliferation regime.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

Mdm President, before I discuss in detail the UK’s objectives, I would like to make a statement on recent developments in North Korea.

The UK calls again on North Korea to halt its nuclear and missile development programme. The recent nuclear weapon test is reckless and poses an unacceptable further threat to international peace and security. The international community has universally condemned this test and must come together to continue to increase the pressure on North Korea’s leaders to stop their destabilising actions. North Korea must resume compliance with its safeguards agreement and cooperation with the Agency, and abandon its nuclear programme in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

Civil Nuclear in the UK and Internationally

Madame President,

Nuclear currently provides around 25% of the UK’s electricity needs. In the coming decades many of our existing plants will reach the end of their operational lives, while the demand for low-carbon energy increases. New nuclear will have a key role to play in the years ahead, and there are many opportunities to be found in this sector in the UK.

Hinkley Point C, our first new nuclear plant for over 20 years, will provide 3.2 gigawatts of secure, low-carbon electricity for 60 years, meeting around 7% of the UK’s energy needs. EDF have made excellent progress; in March this year the first concrete was poured for the power station galleries. The first reactor is due to come online in 2025, and the second the following year.

We are committed to maintaining the UK’s status as a world leader in nuclear research and development, and to sustaining and developing our existing international collaboration in this field. We will maintain and build on our world-leading fusion expertise, and seek continued participation in international fusion projects such as the Joint European Torus (JET) project at Culham, and the ITER project in France. Furthermore, we recognise the potential of Small Modular Reactors for producing low-carbon energy, whether small versions of conventional technologies, or next generation reactors.

The UK remains open for business, and ideally placed to continue supporting opportunities across the civil nuclear fuel cycle.

Safety & Security

Madame President,

Safety

The UK remains proactive and transparent in fulfilling our obligations, and sharing expertise, to strengthen nuclear safety and radioactive waste management. We are an active Contracting Party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) and the Joint Convention, and look forward to engaging fully with the Joint Convention process next year. We are pleased that this year’s CNS Review Meeting had the highest participation levels to date, and identified a number of cross cutting safety issues, which should be tackled as a priority by Member States, supported by the IAEA.

In April we welcomed an Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) follow-up mission to Sizewell B, to assess the facility’s adherence to international standards of best practice, and have planned another mission to Torness in 2018. The UK government looks forward to receiving the findings from these missions and is committed to transparency on the outcomes, ensuring public confidence in our ability to safely deliver nuclear energy. We encourage all Member States to host OSART missions.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

The government is committed to maintaining the highest standards of emergency preparedness and response arrangements. The UK is reflecting the latest standards from Euratom and the IAEA in our domestic regime, as part of our commitment to continuous improvement.

Security

The UK strongly supports the central role of the IAEA in promoting robust nuclear security regimes and assisting in their implementation. We contributed a further £8.5m this year to the Nuclear Security Fund in support of these activities, and UK experts have supported International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) missions. We encourage other Member States to provide funds and expertise to support the Agency’s nuclear security work.

We congratulate the Agency on its successful Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Security last December, and look forward to the outputs of that Conference being applied, to help address current and emerging security challenges.

We continue work with the Agency to assist States in their capabilities to respond to nuclear security events, and to develop the effectiveness of the International Nuclear Security Advisory Service (INSServ). We encourage continued coordination between the Agency and other international bodies, such as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) and INTERPOL, to deliver training and exercises.

This year the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation launched a new regulatory framework: the Security Assessment Principles. This outcomes-based framework enables industry to design security solutions which align with their business needs. This will increase security competence within the civil nuclear sector, and place greater emphasis on protecting against emerging threats such as cyber.

Non-Proliferation Safeguards

Madame President,

The global safeguards regime is central to the peaceful use of nuclear technologies, and the UK supports the IAEA in its efforts to strengthen, and verify compliance with, safeguards obligations. The UK welcomes the continued development of State-level safeguards approaches.

We call on all States that have not yet done so to ratify Comprehensive Safeguards Agreements and Additional Protocols, to ensure their universalisation. As part of preparations for EU Exit, the UK is establishing a domestic nuclear safeguards regime which will deliver to existing Euratom standards. This will ensure that the IAEA retains its right to inspect all civil nuclear facilities, and will continue to receive all current safeguards reporting, ensuring that international verification of our safeguards activity continues to be robust.

Technical Cooperation

The UK remains a strong supporter of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme. It is my pleasure to pledge more than €3.6m to the Technical Cooperation Fund, continuing our record of paying our voluntary contributions on time and in full, and we encourage other Member States to do so.

We congratulate the Secretariat on the success of the recent International Conference on the IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme, and welcome its continued implementation of the Results-Based Management approach. We encourage the Secretariat and Member States to assess project outcomes, and implement lessons learned.

Non-Proliferation Treaty

The UK is committed to the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty as the cornerstone of the global nuclear non-proliferation architecture and the essential foundation for the pursuit of nuclear disarmament and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and we recognise the IAEA’s vital role in support of the Treaty. The first Preparatory Committee for the 2020 Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in May this year put us on a sound footing for the remainder of the cycle, and we look forward to a constructive PrepCom in 2018. Iran

We welcome the Director General’s reporting that confirms that Iran is adhering to its nuclear-related commitments as outlined in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. It is important for all parties to the Plan of Action to implement the agreement fully. Iran’s continued co-operation with the Agency is required, and Member States should assist with continued financial support for the Agency’s monitoring and verification activities.

Syria

In light of the Board’s previous conclusion that Syria is in non-compliance with its Safeguards Agreement, we urge the Syrian regime to cooperate with the Agency to resolve all outstanding issues, including through concluding and implementing an Additional Protocol, as soon as possible.

IAEA Administration

Lastly, Madame President,

To meet the challenges of realising the global benefits of nuclear technology, it is important that the IAEA’s resources are managed efficiently and sustainably to deliver its key priorities within existing funding envelopes. We also emphasise the importance of improving diversity in the Secretariat’s staffing and senior appointments, and welcome efforts in this regard to date.

In closing Madame President, let me reiterate the UK’s continued strong support for the vital work of the IAEA, in ensuring a safe and secure future for civil nuclear energy around the world, and maintaining an effective safeguards regime which underpins it. We look forward to its continued success, and that of this General Conference.

Thank you.

read more

The Queen has approved the nomination of the Very Reverend Jonathan Desmond Francis Greener, MA, Dean of Wakefield, in the diocese of Leeds, to be appointed to the Deanery of the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Exeter, on the resignation of the Very Reverend Jonathan Lee Draper, BA, PhD, on 31 August 2017.

Background information

The Very Reverend Jonathan Greener (56) trained for ordination at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield. He studied Theology and Religious Studies at Trinity College, Cambridge. He served his title as Curate at St Matthew, Elephant and Castle, in the diocese of Southwark from 1991 to 1994 before becoming Bishop of Truro’s Domestic Chaplain from 1994 to 1996. From 1996 to 2003 he was Vicar at the Good Shepherd, Brighton in Chichester diocese. From 2003 to 2007 he was Archdeacon of Pontefract in Wakefield diocese. From 2007 to 2014 he was Dean of Wakefield in Wakefield diocese and since 2014 he has been Dean of Wakefield in Leeds diocese.

He is married to Pamela, a retired international tax accountant, now a freelance musician.

His interests include photography, cookery, languages and travel.

read more

Domestic abuse is an endemic but not inevitable problem, inspectors said today (Tuesday 19 September).

A report on the response for children living with domestic abuse finds that social workers, the police, health professionals and other agencies such as youth offending teams and probation services are often doing a good job to protect victims. But too little is being done to prevent domestic abuse in the first place, and to repair the damage it causes afterwards.

Inspectors from Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, and HM Inspectorate of Probation carried out joint inspections of 6 areas in England, to evaluate the multi-agency response to cases of domestic abuse. Today’s report highlights that:

• Professionals have made progress in responding to the large volume of cases of domestic abuse. However, domestic abuse is a widespread public health issue that needs a long-term strategy to reduce its prevalence.

• While much good work is being done to protect children and victims, far too little is being done to prevent domestic abuse and repair the damage that it causes.

• Work with families that we saw on inspection was often in reaction to individual crises. Keeping children safe over time takes long-term resolutions.

• The focus on the immediate crisis leads agencies to consider only those people and children at immediate risk. Agencies are not always looking at the right things and, in particular, not focusing enough on the perpetrator.

• There is still a lack of clarity about how to navigate the complexities of information sharing.

• There needs to be greater consistency in the definition of harm, and in the understanding of whose rights to prioritise.

Eleanor Schooling, Ofsted National Director for Social Care, said:

There is a lot of good work being done to protect victims of domestic violence – emergency services are particularly effective. But we’re not so good when it comes to helping victims deal with the aftermath and get on with their lives. The justice system must play a role, but there is work to do to stop it happening in the first place.

That’s why schools have an essential role in educating children about domestic abuse. Teaching children about healthy relationships is already part of the curriculum, but it is often not prioritised by schools.

It is a sad truth that the sheer scale of domestic abuse means that it can be all too easy for police, health professionals and social workers to focus on short term responses to incidents. But the best teams are able to see the bigger picture.

I want to see a new approach to tackling domestic abuse – one which focuses more on prevention and repairing long term damage to child victims. Agencies can address these complex challenges but due to the endemic nature of domestic abuse they cannot do it alone. A widespread public service message is needed to shift behaviour on a wide scale.

Professor Steve Field, Chief Inspector of General Practice at the Care Quality Commission, said:

When children and young people are at risk of, suffering from, or rebuilding their lives after domestic violence, a number of services have the opportunity to intervene or help. Fortunately, we have seen evidence of services understanding the unique position they each have to start important conversations and work together to support individuals and families, such as delicate screening tools for midwives talking to expectant mothers.

This is encouraging but there is still work to be done. We commend the efforts we saw to protect victims after abuse has occurred, but this is an endemic issue that has its roots before individual acts and can spread beyond. Services have to listen to and learn from those who have been at risk. We need to explore every opportunity to safeguard and support those affected, from prevention through to the provision of comprehensive aftercare, including access to CAMHS services.

Wendy Williams, HM Inspector of Constabulary, said:

This inspection found that the police – who are often the first respondents to domestic abuse incidents – act quickly and decisively to protect victims, including children, and to remove them from dangerous situations. We also found that senior leaders within the police have a strong commitment to reducing domestic abuse and protecting those children exposed to it and have worked to build effective partnerships to support victims. However, when the police become involved in this way, in one sense it is often too late: an offence has been committed, and a person or family become a victim or victims of domestic abuse, with all the harm this brings.

HMICFRS has constantly underlined the fact that the police cannot address domestic abuse on their own – and this inspection has found many examples of how close working with other agencies is crucial to supporting and protecting victims. However, today we are also calling for recognition that all of society, not just the agencies we inspect, needs to work together if we are truly to reduce the devastating harm caused by domestic abuse. There needs to be a sea change in the approach, with an equal emphasis on placed on preventing it happening in the first place, or from it reoccurring, as there is on protecting victims when it has happened.

Dame Glenys Stacey, HM Chief Inspector of Probation, said:

To reduce the extent of domestic abuse the probation sector needs to deliver effective work with those adults who have been convicted and also those where we have concerns about possible domestic abuse in the households, but no conviction. There are many skilled practitioners who can change perpetrators’ behaviour but services need to be resourced and well organised to reach the right people.

Probation providers also have to look beyond the adults under their supervision to the families and ensure they are vigilant and swift to respond where they see signs of domestic abuse. They can only achieve this by well-trained staff working closely with local services for children.

Domestic abuse has a profound effect on children, completely changing their lives. To move from a broken home to a refuge and a new school can be upsetting.

One adult survivor said:

We are the ones who have to leave our homes, leave our families. We are the ones that have to change our lives completely and everything we do every day. We have to come and live in a house with other people. Your whole life is completely changed.

These inspections highlight the positive impact of the inspectorates working together.

Hounslow Council stated that:

The joint targeted area inspection has enabled a deeper, shared understanding of our joint service offer and practice. It shone a light on the good and some excellent services the partnership is providing and offered insight into areas where joint working can be enhanced to improve outcomes for children, young people and their families.

Partners fed back recently that they found the process of joint inspection and the development of the joint action plan a constructive and positive experience which has enhanced communication channels, professional understanding and collective commitment to a common improvement in services for children and young people and their families.

Domestic abuse is a massive problem, accounting for about one in 10 of all crimes committed in England in 2015/16. It claims the lives of 2 women each week and there are more than 6.5 million victims.

1. The report is based on inspections of Bradford, Hampshire, Hounslow, Lincolnshire, Salford and Wiltshire. The report and the individual inspection reports are online.
2. Ofsted has also published a blog about the findings of the report.

read more

I am delighted to be here with you today.

We meet at an auspicious time.

A time of change faster than anyone has known. Around the world, we are living through a technological revolution which brings unimaginable opportunity. And with this unimaginable opportunity, so too risks unknown just a few short years ago.

The internet fifty years ago. The world wide web, twenty five years after that. Ten years ago, social media and the smartphone, and now artificial intelligence and machine learning. New generic technologies that have sporned a thousand revolutions, from fintech, to lawtech, to edtech or govtech, indeed in almost every area of our lives. The pace of change is relentless. And if you don’t much like change, I’ve got bad news. For the nature of artificial intelligence means we are likely to be experiencing, right now, the slowest change we will see for the rest of our lifetimes.

So now is a good moment to bring together some of the leading nations in the world of digital technology. And it’s good to be here in Singapore for this discussion. Like us, Singapore is a small island nation with an emphatically global reach, that revels in a culture that’s open and looks for trading partners the world over among freinds and neighbours, near and far.

And amongst friends, let us be open and talk not just of those opportunities, but how we protect those opportunities, for the good of all our citizens, from those who would do harm.

Since its conception, the internet has brought enormous freedom. But the internet is growing up. To protect that freedom as it grows we must also be restless in protecting a safety and security online.

From the pioneering work of Ada Lovelace and Charles Babbage to the visionary Tim Berners-Lee, the UK has always been at the forefront of digital innovation.

Yet around the world, none of us can rest on our laurels. For each nation, even areas where our strengths are well-established, such as our world-renowned creative industries, are being transformed, and kept at the cutting edge, by developments in technology.

I feel this keenly, as before I became the Digital Minister, my first job was solving the Y2K bug in cobol. Thankfully, that went ok.

Yet even the most enthusiastic supporter of new technology must acknowledge that it also brings risks. The challenge we now face is how to harness the power of emerging technology so it works always in our favour, always to improve the quality of people’s lives, and that where it poses dangers we mitigate against them.

In 2011 we hosted the London Conference on Cyberspace, a discussion that continues in New Delhi later this year. From ASEAN to the UN, Interpol to ICANN, we are strengthening our partnerships on a bilateral, regional and global level to collectively tackle threats, build confidence and transparency, and strengthen global cyber security.

That includes building capacity in less developed nations so they can combat threats at source. This work involves supporting the development and implementation of national cyber security strategies, and we’ve supported capacity building projects in over 50 countries in the past few years.

As we negotiate our exit from the European Union, and position ourselves as Global Britain, we aim to be even more open to collaboration, with all our international friends and partners. In this age of digital we are all becoming more and more connected. It is estimated that in less than a decade the Internet will connect one trillion things.

Both our countries will take on major responsibilities next year. Singapore will be chair of ASEAN and the United Kingdom will host the Commonwealth Summit in London. I am sure these will both be great opportunities to deepen our friendship and strengthen our working relationships.

Today I’d like to share with you the principles we apply to the cyber challenge:

Principles of openness to new ideas, of adaption to change; and preparing for the future.

How we seek to seize the opportunities of the growing tech industry, how we adapt to the changing environment, and how we are preparing for what lies ahead.

The first principle is to be open and optimistic about the opportunities digital technology is creating, for businesses and for all citizens. We seek an internet that is open and free. And we seek a tech industry that is vibrant and innovative. The UK’s tech industry has huge momentum, is growing strongly, and is ripe for investment.

Since 2001, tech industries have created 3.5 million new jobs in the UK, more than four times the number that have been replaced. London is now recognised as one of the top tech clusters in the world, and we have internationally competitive hubs across the whole UK. Over just the last year a whole series of multi-billion pound investments have been agreed.

This openness and this technology is helping our citizens, to learn, to better manage their finances, to access government services and simply be better connected to their friends, their family and to new acquaintances. In short, technology improves people’s lives.

So our first principle is never to see just the threat, but keep front of mind the fundamental openness of the internet, and its power to do good.

The second principle is to be ready to respond to change and honest about the risks.

The UK categorises cyber crime as a tier one threat to our national security. Since 2011 we have had in place a National Cyber Security Strategy, which sets out how a full spectrum plan.

The Strategy covers the direct tasks we in Government must take to detect threats, deter and disrupt adversaries, and keep Britain secure online. But moreover, it recognises that we can’t do this alone.

Our full spectrum approach ranges from developing the new skills and expertise we need, supporting the cyber ecosystem, collaboration with critical infrastructure, the established cyber industry, start ups, and academia to protect our national security and protect the public’s way of life, while contrinuting to our prosperity and building a more trusted and resilient digital environment. I’ve been struck here in Singapore just how similar the challenges, and the responses are.

Our growing expertise was perhaps best showcased during the 2012 Olympics. The London games were the first ever “digital games” – the first to provide public Wi-Fi access in all Olympic venues, with more content broadcast online than ever before, and much of it accessed via mobile devices – and yet, despite a peak of over 11,000 attacks per second, the network was never once compromised.

We are now six years into that Strategy. In the time since, our cyber security industry has gone from strength to strength. The workforce has grown by 160 per cent and cyber security exports were worth £1.5 billion to the UK last year alone. I’m delighted that many of our leading cyber security businesses are here this week too.

UK universities play a critical role at the forefront of research into cyber security. Because while we address the challenges of today we must work to anticipate those of tomorrow. We have awarded fourteen UK Universities the status of Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research, reflecting world class research.

Last year, we refreshed the Strategy. The refresh had at its heart one inescapable fact we had learned: that successful cyber defence requires the collaboration of government, academia, and business. A strong cyber ecosystem needs all three.

Based on that insight, we put together and opened our new National Cyber Security Centre as the authoritative voice on cyber in the UK. As we designed it, we looked around the world to see best practice, including at your CSA here.

The NCSC is formally part of GCHQ, but culturally reaches outside the secure fence to draw on academia, and work with and inform businesses, citizens and the public sector about emerging threats, to provide very practical support when attacks happen, talk to the public, work with international partners, and educate our nation on how best to stay safe online. Crucially, it brings together national leadership on cyber security in one place.

Our safety, of course, means our friends’ and partners’ safety, whenever you do business with us. We are committed to making the UK the most secure place in the world for digital and online activity. Respected, and most importantly, trusted.

So this is how we are adapting to the constantly changing risks.

Our third principle, is always to look to the future.

For we much cite cyber security within a bigger attitude we take to how digital technology is transforming society’s norms.

Digital technology is a force for good in the world. To keep it that way, we are proposing a new framework, a new global consensus, for how we interact, do business and participate online.

The aim is to protect and promote freedom online, by ensuring that we promote liberal values that underpin freedom while preventing harm online. Our starting point is that the boundaries and norms that exist off-line also apply in the online world.

This approach lies at the heart of our proposed Digital Charter, recently announced by Her Majesty the Queen. The Charter seeks to balance freedom and responsibility online while establishing a new framework for how we all conduct our digital business.

Every society is facing the same sorts of challenges. And by the nature of the technology many of the solutions are global too. Local nuances will depend on each country’s culture, but ultimately this balance is needed everywhere.

So our hope, if we get all this right, other countries will want to join us.

Humanity, the world over, we share this technology. Together we have developed it, and together people worldwide now collaborate to develop it further.

We are all connected by it, and harmony will lie in – perhaps even depend upon – a shared sense of its norms. The debate is moving quickly, as the pace of technology increases. As more and more of how we interact – our society, in short – moves online we must be sure it abides by the rules of decency, fair play, and mutual respect we have all built in the offline world.

Cyber security sits in this context.

So let us be clear. We are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We have a job to do.

So let us keep talking, let us keep sharing, so we reach a mutual understanding of how we can best harness this amazing new technology, for the benefit of all mankind.

read more