CEOs from “sensitive sectors” to receive briefings on Russian threats

Security Minister Dan Jarvis will chair a threat briefing with industry bodies representing CNI providers, while Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones will chair a threat briefing with industry bodies representing defence firms.

Russia poses an “enduring and significant” threat to the UK and its interests around the world. The state and its proxies knowingly seek to disrupt businesses and organisations that underpin the British way of life or are vital to the defence of Ukraine. They use tactics including cyber attacks, sabotage and disinformation to take organisations offline, disrupt activity and weaken trust.

The briefings will draw on world-class intelligence capabilities and follow on from Prime Minister Andy Burnham using his recent speech at the UN General Assembly to ‘call out’ Russia for its actions in Ukraine, the UK and elsewhere.

Clear understanding

Security Minister, Dan Jarvis observed: “Strong defences are built on a clear understanding of the threat. That’s why I’ll be chairing this briefing: to share world-class intelligence with some of the most important organisations in the country. This will ensure that they understand and are prepared for the threats we face. We’ll be focusing on the actions they can take in partnership with Government to help keep our country safe.”

Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for the Armed Forces, explained: “Russia is actively seeking to disrupt the organisations that form the bedrock of our national security. By bringing Government and defence industry leaders together, we can deepen our shared understanding of the threat and strengthen our collective resilience. Protecting our defence sector is essential for keeping Britain secure.”

This development follows similar briefings held earlier this year to update university leaders and political parties on the threat posed by foreign interference and the actions they can take to strengthen national security.

Policing and cyber

The new briefings will sit alongside the support that the Government already provides to help protect defence firms and CNI providers from threats, including specialist policing through organisations like the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, world-class cyber expertise delivered by the National Cyber Security Centre and tailored security advice disseminated through the National Protective Security Authority.

Earlier in September, the Crown Prosecution Service charged a British man with offences under the National Security Act 2023 after he allegedly engaged in conduct to prepare an act of sabotage and received instructions from an individual believed to be linked to the GRU Volunteer Corps.