Privilege — Parliamentary Security—Threat of Cyber-Attacks

Members, I have been concerned at the possible threat that cyber-attacks may pose to the security of our Parliament. It is a concern shared with my predecessor, the Rt Hon David Carter, who began work to address it in his time as Speaker. Such attacks are known to have occurred in overseas parliaments. Whether they seek to disrupt the business of Parliament or Government or to target individual members and their constituents, it is important that Parliament is as well defended as possible from such attacks.

Taking steps to prevent overseas intrusions into our information systems also raises the issue of allowing high levels of access to a third party provider in the parliamentary complex in relation to member and staff devices. The exercise of such access must be balanced against members’ freedom to carry out their functions as elected representatives and the House’s power to control its own proceedings and precincts without outside interference.

The parliamentary precincts are also a workplace for both parliamentary employees and employees of Government departments. Access to parliamentary information systems must therefore also have regard to the respective rights of employers and employees, and the role of the Speaker as responsible Minister, and the Prime Minister and her Ministers.

Before undertaking further steps to secure Parliament against cyber-attacks, I believe that we need to assure ourselves that such security measures will not obstruct members and officers of the House in the discharge of their duties. The matter is one that should be considered by the Privileges Committee. Consequently, I have determined that a general question of privilege arises. The question stands referred to the Privileges Committee.