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Outrage as UK boosts IT spending by 'pitiful' £6.5m while at risk of 'major China threat'


In the face of escalating cyber threats from China, Parliament’s decision to bolster its IT budget by a mere £6.5million in the last financial year has sparked outrage among security experts.

Official figures, obtained under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act exclusively for Express.co.uk by Centropy PR, reveal that Parliament’s overall IT budget has risen to £67,702,898, marking only an 11 percent increase from the previous year’s budget of £61,154,627.

This nominal increase in funding comes at a time when MPs and peers are confronting a barrage of cyber attacks, raising concerns about the adequacy of cybersecurity measures within the parliamentary estate.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, is set to formally notify Parliament of the mounting cyber threats, placing the nation on high alert.

Security experts have sharply criticised the lack of substantial investment in IT infrastructure, particularly in light of the sophisticated attacks targeting lawmakers.

Security expert Suid Adeyanju, CEO, RiverSafe said: “Our elected officials deserve the highest standards of cyber protection, and these spending figures seem pitiful when compared to the scale of the threat. The growing volume of sophisticated security attacks on MPs and peers requires immediate and urgent action, including military-grade encryption, the latest training and ransomware prevention strategies.”

Achi Lewis, Area VP EMEA of Absolute Software said: “Increasing tech investment is critical for protecting against security risks. Our MPs manage incredibly confidential data that in the wrong hands could pose a major threat to national security.”

However tech expert Derek Mackenzie, CEO, Investigo praised the increased investment, saying: “It’s encouraging to see a substantial boost in IT staffing at a time when Parliament and many other organisations are facing a relentless cyber risk. Having a tech team equipped with the latest AI and cyber skills is critical for protecting organisations from outsider threats.”

The heightened scrutiny on cybersecurity measures comes as the UK Government prepares to confront China over alleged cyber attacks targeting the Electoral Commission. Reports suggest that Beijing-linked hackers were behind a cyber intrusion that compromised the personal data of 40 million voters and 43 individuals, including MPs and peers.

Efforts to exert pressure on China may include sanctions on individuals associated with the alleged activities.

Nuclear Minister Andrew Bowie reiterated the Government’s dedication to bolstering cybersecurity capabilities.

He said: “We will stop at nothing to ensure that the British people, our democracy, our freedom of speech, and our way of life are defended.”

Despite the escalating tensions, the Government maintains a pragmatic approach towards China, balancing economic interests with national security concerns.

Parliament’s director of security, Alison Giles, has reportedly briefed a select group of politicians, including former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, on the cybersecurity challenges posed by China.

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