09 May 19. Evidence session: National Security Capability Review and Modernising Defence Programme – Follow-up. The second oral evidence session of the inquiry into the National Security Capability Review and Modernising Defence Programme: follow up will take place on Monday 13 May in Committee Room 4A. At 4.15pm, the Committee will take evidence from General Lord Houghton of Richmond, former Chief of the Defence Staff (2013−16). Likely topics for discussion include: the future of the armed forces; changing threats to UK national security; the return of ‘great power politics’; and the effectiveness of the National Security Capability Review and Modernising Defence Programme in addressing these issues.
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Q
Asked by Chi Onwurah
(Newcastle upon Tyne Central)
[N]
Asked on: 30 April 2019
Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
Mobile Phones: Cybercrime
249285
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps the Government is taking to (a) protect critical national infrastructure, business and consumers from the vulnerabilities to hackers in mobile signalling networks SS7 and Diameter and (b) mitigate against the risk of such attacks.
A
Answered by: Margot James
Answered on: 07 May 2019
It was announced in 2016 as part of the National Cyber Security Strategy that SS7 and Diameter protocols used within mobile networks would be tackled within the National Cyber Security Center’s (NCSC) published Active Cyber Defence programme. The NCSC continues to work closely with mobile operators to reduce the vulnerability of UK networks. In addition, the NCSC works with other critical sectors to provide guidance on how to mitigate the risks of such attacks.
Q
Asked by Stephen McPartland
(Stevenage)
Asked on: 30 April 2019
Ministry of Defence
Electronic Warfare
249270
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to increase the effectiveness of the UK’s offensive cyber capabilities.
A
Answered by: Mark Lancaster
Answered on: 08 May 2019
The Ministry of Defence works in partnership with the Government Communications Headquarters to deliver the National Offensive Cyber Programme, harnessing the expertise of both organisations to establish a world-class offensive cyber capability delivered through a “Joint Mission” construct.
Q
Asked by Mr Kevan Jones
(North Durham)
Asked on: 24 April 2019
Ministry of Defence
KBR: Contracts
246963
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of whether the PFI arrangement with KBR to maintain a fleet of 92 heavy equipment transporters for the British Army will be renewed beyond 2023.
A
Answered by: Stuart Andrew
Answered on: 03 May 2019
The current Heavy Equipment Transporter Private Finance Initiative contract expires in 2024. The requirement for the future transportation of heavy equipment will be developed prior to the expiry date with an appropriate contractual arrangement placed accordingly.
Q
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
(Romford)
Asked on: 25 April 2019
Ministry of Defence
Air Force: Training
247637
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the timeframe is of UK aircrew to finish training to fly the Poseidon MRA Mkl (P-8A).
A
Answered by: Stuart Andrew
Answered on: 03 May 2019
The initial cohort of aircrew currently undertaking training for this platform will complete their training in time for the aircraft’s delivery to the RAF in late 2019.
Q
Asked by Andrew Rosindell
(Romford)
Asked on: 25 April 2019
Ministry of Defence
Navantia: Procurement
247639
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has plans to prohibit Spanish firm, Navantia, from bidding for the contract to build Royal Navy support ships.
A
Answered by: Stuart Andrew
Answered on: 03 May 2019
The Fleet Solid Support ship competition will be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011, which govern competitive procurements conducted by the Ministry of Defence.