Security Minister Delivers Insightful Address at International Security Expo 2023

Good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome. It is a genuine pleasure to be here today in this remarkable venue, sharing this moment with all of you.

It may be hard to believe, but this marks my third consecutive appearance at the International Security Expo. Let us hope that this occasion proves to be third time lucky!

However, the scheduling challenges remain. It is now the third year I find myself explaining to my colleagues in Liverpool why I am unable to attend the party conference. Fortunately, national security serves as a compelling justification for a Security Minister’s absence.

This event has truly become an annual tradition for me. While the lively activities of party politics unfold in Liverpool, I am afforded the opportunity to engage with the fascinating robots and drones on display here at Olympia, in our nation’s capital. I’ll leave it to you to determine which group is easier to deal with.

And just to clarify, when I mention robots and drones, I certainly do not refer to anyone in this distinguished audience!

I must say that, unlike at the party conference, I anticipate a less contentious atmosphere here, and I hope to avoid being approached by anyone dressed as a badger. But we shall see!

On a serious note, it is always a privilege to attend this event. Each time I come here, I leave with a deeper appreciation for the expertise, ingenuity, and dedication that characterises the UK’s security sector.

Advancements in Security Legislation

Last year, I discussed the various threats we face as a nation. I am pleased to report that we are making significant strides in addressing these challenges, working in close collaboration with industry partners.

At our borders, we have bolstered the Border Security Command and introduced new powers through the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act. Our efforts have led to increased arrests, disruptions, and enforcement activities, successfully thwarting tens of thousands of attempted crossings since the last election.

This March, we published the Fraud Strategy for 2026 to 2029, which commits over £250 million to combat fraud. Additionally, we have established a new Online Crime Centre that unifies law enforcement, intelligence agencies, banks, communications providers, and technology companies to identify and dismantle fraud networks on a large scale.

Earlier this year, the government rolled out the Cyber Action Plan, backed by more than £210 million in investment. Our goal is to enhance the resilience of public services and improve our response capabilities to cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks. This will soon be supplemented by the National Cyber Action Plan (NCAP), which will expand the focus to include industry and the private sector.

The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) will also deliver a significant update to the UK’s cyber regulatory framework. Furthermore, in July, the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026 came into effect, equipping us with powerful new tools to detect, deter, and disrupt those operating on behalf of hostile foreign powers.

In another crucial development, we published the Home Office statutory guidance for organisations covered by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. This legislation reflects the extraordinary courage and leadership of Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who is present today and has been instrumental in advocating for this important legislation. Figen, thank you for your unwavering dedication.

Building a Culture of Preparedness

As we prepare for the implementation of this act, we will continue to work closely with the private security industry and its regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), to foster a culture of preparedness throughout the United Kingdom. We are also committed to ensuring that the wider regulatory system delivers the protections the public rightfully expect.

Earlier this year, we witnessed the effectiveness of enforcement when Ofqual restricted an awarding body’s ability to register new learners due to serious concerns. The SIA further reinforced this message by removing qualifications from its approved listings, halting further learner registrations, and terminating its relationship with that organisation. This sends a clear signal that the SIA is determined to eliminate malpractice wherever it arises.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, with a formal response to be published as soon as possible. Additionally, the Home Office is collaborating with HMRC, the SIA, and the Fair Work Agency to explore what further support we can provide.

Both the SIA and the newly established Security Guarding Leadership Group, S12, are represented here today, and I encourage anyone interested to engage with them directly.

Of course, legislation is only part of the solution. We must also focus on developing real-world capabilities.

Innovating Security Solutions

I am delighted to share that in June, I inaugurated Europe’s largest drone testing centre, aimed at driving autonomous innovation, supporting SMEs, boosting exports, and creating jobs. As the threat posed by drones evolves, so too must our response; hence, we continue to invest in specialist police counter-drone capabilities.

In April, we launched the National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme, establishing a single national centre for the accreditation of private-sector explosives detection dog teams. This initiative serves as a reminder that, while technology is transforming our sector, some of our most effective security capabilities still rely on four-legged companions.

Tomorrow, we will initiate a public consultation on proposals to strengthen controls under the Poisons Act, which will include for the first time the regulation of plant toxins. This aligns with our commitment to respond decisively to the findings of the Southport Inquiry, particularly concerning the need for heightened controls where certain substances pose a clear risk.

Last year, I emphasised the transition from strategy development to implementation and delivery. The next challenge is clear: we must bolster our country’s resilience and sovereign capabilities by harnessing the exceptional talent and expertise present within this sector.

Fostering Economic Growth and Resilience

We have witnessed how global shocks can expose vulnerabilities and create strategic risks. This is why the government is renewing its focus on strengthening the sovereign capabilities that underpin our security and prosperity. In April, we launched a £500 million Sovereign AI Fund, with the clear message that the UK must be “an AI maker, not just an AI taker.” The aim is to ensure that strategically important AI companies establish, scale, and remain in the UK, rather than being acquired or relocating abroad.

As the world increasingly turns its attention to the risks associated with AI, I am proud to say that the UK is home to one of the foremost AI Security Institutes globally. Earlier this year, the government introduced new measures, including the appointment of dedicated National Security Procurement Leads, to leverage some of the annual £400 billion spent on public procurement. This initiative aims to enhance resilience, support British industry, and safeguard critical supply chains.

Wherever feasible, government spending should not merely procure capabilities; it should also help sustain the skills, technologies, supply chains, and industrial capacity that our nation relies upon. The government has confirmed that British-founded firms have secured billions of pounds in additional public contracts under this approach, bolstering jobs, innovation, and growth across key sectors of the UK economy.

However, there remains more to be achieved. We recognise that technological advantage and industrial resilience are central to our security and economic success, encompassing areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, secure communications, counter-drone capabilities, next-generation screening and detection, and advanced data analytics. These are strategic capabilities for the United Kingdom, many of which are being developed by businesses right here in this room.

Encouraging International Collaboration

The statistics tell a compelling story about the UK’s security and resilience sector, which now generates £27.6 billion in annual turnover and supports nearly 150,000 jobs, having experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. The latest export figures reached £12.9 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately half of all sector revenue, and positioning the UK as the third largest market globally, following the US and China.

Importantly, this sector creates opportunities across the entire country, with over half of security sector jobs located outside London, contributing to growth, productivity, and prosperity in every region of the UK. As Security Minister, I am committed to supporting the continued expansion of this sector, which includes creating opportunities both domestically and abroad.

The government acknowledges security as an area where the UK holds a genuine competitive advantage. The export statistics reflect the trust that international partners place in British innovation, expertise, and standards. Therefore, the Home Office is closely collaborating with our diplomatic network to assist UK companies in competing on the global stage, alongside colleagues across the newly expanded Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST).

This support involves connecting companies with overseas decision-makers, encouraging trade missions, and leveraging ministerial and diplomatic engagement to unlock opportunities in high-growth markets. For instance, we are aiding Morocco in its preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, supporting British companies as they compete for billions worth of contracts across infrastructure and security sectors over the next three years.

Engagement and Collaboration

Wherever the government can facilitate connections, introductions, or bids, we will certainly do so