In response to a parliamentary question from Earl Attlee regarding the UK’s readiness to address potential attacks on undersea telecommunications cables, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has highlighted its commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.

Lord Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, stated:

“The UK Government constantly monitors and regularly assesses the security of critical national infrastructure, including energy and telecommunications assets in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone. This is a whole-of-Government effort involving multiple Departments, including the Ministry of Defence.”

The question followed a recent parliamentary discussion on the security of undersea cables, which form a crucial component of global telecommunications and data exchange. Lord Coaker declined to comment on specific response options but issued a clear warning to adversaries:

“Our adversaries should be in no doubt of our ability to protect the UK and its interests, and that any deliberate attack on UK infrastructure would be met with an appropriate response.”

While details of the UK’s retaliation doctrine remain classified, the statement signals a firm stance on defending national interests and deterring potential aggressors.