Politics latest news: We must protect British people from malign actors, says minister

A minister said it is “imperative” British nationals are protected online from “malign actors” as the Government prepares to announce fresh sanctions on China over cyber attacks. 

Andrew Bowie, the minister for nuclear and renewables, said the Government takes the threat of online interference “incredibly seriously” as he suggested measures to combat the problem are going to be toughened up.

The threat of Chinese state interference in British democracy is due to be raised in the House of Commons this afternoon by Oliver Dowden, the Deputy Prime Minister. 

He is expected to say Beijing was behind a wave of cyber attacks against MPs and peers, as well as accessing the personal details of 40 million voters in a hack on the Electoral Commission.

Mr Bowie told Times Radio: “The Government takes the security of this country, as we were talking about our nuclear deterrent, the physical safety and security, but also the cyber security of this country incredibly seriously which is why we have bolstered the intelligence and security apparatus that we have through the various Acts of Parliament in the last few years and it is why I am sure we will be hearing much more today about the steps we are going to take moving forward.

“It is imperative that democracy, freedom of speech and that British nationals are protected online from any malign influence and that includes from malign actors, be that state actors or other actors.” 

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