UK cyber security a top priority for UK Government
Stephen Crabb visits Airbus Defence and Space
Strong cyber defences are absolutely necessary for Britain’s long-term security, Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb said today ahead of a visit to Airbus Group in Newport (19 November).
The visit will showcase Airbus Group projects which provide Highly Secure Communications Solutions to the UK Ministry of Defence and their world leading Cyber Security portfolio.
The UK Government has this week announced a comprehensive programme that will give Britain the next generation of cyber security. In a speech at the home of British intelligence, GCHQ, the Chancellor pledged to increase spending on cyber security to £1.9 billion by 2020, recruit 1,900 new staff across the three intelligence agencies and establish the first National Cyber Centre, which will be home to the country’s first dedicated ‘cyber force’.
Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Crabb said:
Today’s visit comes in the aftermath of the worst terrorist attack in Europe for a decade. What has become clear is that if we are to keep our people safe in the modern world, it means tackling the causes of the threats we face – not just dealing with their consequences.
That is why this Government is doubling investment in cyber and creating a National Cyber Centre to help keep us safe.
A huge collective effort is required to protect our country from cyber attack. Airbus Defence and Space is a key partner in that effort.
As we transform public services to be the best digital services in the world, we want to ensure that Britain is a tough target in cyberspace. The important work Airbus Group does to protect critical national infrastructure and counter the threat of cyber attack is crucial in this effort. I am grateful to them for the opportunity to see this in action today.
The Airbus Group Campus Newport is home to highly skilled engineering and research personnel working across four Airbus Group businesses; Airbus Defence and Space, Airbus Group Innovations, Airbus Group Endeavr Wales and Testia Ltd, which today announced a new service contract with the locally based Cardiff Aviation for non-destructive testing on in-service aircraft.
Mr Crabb added:
The aerospace sector is a significant contributor to our local economies, sustaining and supporting thousands of jobs for Welsh workers. To see a global company like Airbus Group recruiting local small businesses to its supply chain is hugely encouraging and demonstrates the richness and innovative nature of Wales’ aerospace capability.
During his visit, the Secretary of State will also receive a tour of Airbus Group Innovations, which delivers advanced research in the technical domains of Cyber Security, Power Management, Data Fusion and Lightening and Electrostatics through collaboration with academia and wider industry in Wales.
Simon Bradley VP - Vice President – Head of Innovation, Product & Cyber Security Program Directorate Airbus Group Corporate Technical Office said:
Airbus Group values our continued partnership with both the UK and Welsh Governments, so we are delighted that the Secretary of State has recognised Airbus as a company which drives economic growth in Wales. Cyber Security is ever growing in importance, and the world leading research and work undertaken here in Newport is at the cutting edge of technology.