Briefing Note: Cyber Security Provisions in The King’s Speech 2024

Briefing Note: Cyber Security Provisions in The King’s Speech 2024

Date: 17 July 2024

Author: Prime Minister’s Office, 10 Downing Street, London, SW1A 2AA

Purpose

This briefing note provides an analysis of the cyber security-related provisions outlined in His Majesty’s Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament for 2024. It focuses on legislative initiatives aimed at enhancing the UK’s cyber defences, resilience, and overall security posture.

Key Legislative Proposals

Cyber Security and Resilience Bill

• Objective: To strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and enhance resilience against cyber threats.
• Key Measures:
• National Cyber Strategy: Implements a comprehensive strategy to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive information from cyber-attacks.
• Enhanced Cyber Capabilities: Invests in advanced cyber capabilities and training for defence personnel to improve resilience.
• Public-Private Collaboration: Encourages collaboration between government and private sector to share intelligence and best practices.
• Regulatory Framework: Establishes a robust regulatory framework to ensure compliance with cyber security standards across sectors.
• Incident Response: Enhances the nation’s ability to respond to and recover from cyber incidents.

Digital Information and Smart Data Bill

• Objective: To harness the power of data for economic growth and improve public services while ensuring data protection.
• Key Measures:
• Digital Verification Services: Supports secure and trusted digital identity products and services to protect personal data.
• Data Sharing and Standards: Reforms data sharing protocols and standards to enhance digital public services and scientific research.
• Modernised Data Protection: Strengthens the regulatory powers of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and modernises its structure.
• Smart Data Schemes: Facilitates secure data sharing upon customer request with authorised third-party providers.

Strategic Defence Review

• Objective: To align the UK’s defence capabilities, including cyber defence, with evolving global threats.
• Key Measures:
• Comprehensive Review: Conducts a thorough assessment of the UK’s cyber defence strategies and capabilities.
• NATO Commitment: Ensures alignment with NATO’s cyber defence initiatives and collaborative efforts.

Strategic Goals

The legislative measures related to cyber security aim to:

• Enhance National Cyber Resilience: Strengthen the UK’s ability to defend against and respond to cyber threats through comprehensive strategies and advanced capabilities.
• Protect Critical Infrastructure: Safeguard vital national infrastructure from cyber-attacks by implementing robust security measures and regulatory frameworks.
• Promote Public-Private Collaboration: Foster cooperation between government and private sector entities to share intelligence and best practices, enhancing overall cyber security.
• Modernise Data Protection: Update data protection laws to reflect technological advancements and ensure robust protection of personal and sensitive data.
• Support Innovation: Encourage the development of secure digital identity solutions and smart data schemes to drive economic growth and improve public services.

The table below summarises the key legislative proposals and measures related to cyber security as outlined in the King’s Speech 2024.

Bill	Objective	Key Measures
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill	Strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and enhance resilience against cyber threats	National Cyber Strategy, Enhanced Cyber Capabilities, Public-Private Collaboration, Regulatory Framework, Incident Response
Digital Information and Smart Data Bill	Harness the power of data for economic growth and improve public services while ensuring data protection	Digital Verification Services, Data Sharing and Standards, Modernised Data Protection, Smart Data Schemes
Strategic Defence Review	Align the UK’s defence capabilities, including cyber defence, with evolving global threats	Comprehensive Review, NATO Commitment

Conclusion

The King’s Speech 2024 outlines significant legislative initiatives aimed at bolstering the UK's cyber security and resilience. The proposed bills reflect the government’s commitment to addressing contemporary cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure, and fostering a secure digital environment for economic growth and public service improvement.

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Disclaimer:

Please note that parts of this post were assisted by an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool. The AI has been used to generate certain content and provide information synthesis. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the AI's contributions are based on its training data and algorithms and should be considered as supplementary information.