Defending Democracy Taskforce meets to tackle state threats

The Defending Democracy Taskforce met for the first time on Monday, chaired by security minister Tom Tugendhat.

The primary focus of the Taskforce is to "protect the democratic integrity of the UK from threats of foreign interference".

The Taskforce will work across government and with parliament, the UK Intelligence Community, the devolved administrations, local authorities and the private sector.

Threats that the Taskforce will focus on include foreign interference in elections and electoral processes; disinformation; physical and cyber threats to democratic institutions and those who represent them; foreign interference in public office, political parties and universities; and transnational repression.

Tugendhat said: "State threats are growing and changing. My priority is, and has always been, to defend our country and the freedoms that guarantee our prosperity and sovereignty.

"We are bringing together experts from across Government, security and intelligence agencies to defend our democracy and our right to choose our own future."

Image: Chris McAndrew / UK Parliament