Labour's Plans for Cyber Security

On July 17, 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plans for new legislation on cyber security, digital, and data were unveiled in the King's Speech. Delivered by King Charles III during the State Opening of Parliament, the speech introduced 40 bills outlining the government's priorities.

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Expanding Cyber Security Regulations

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A significant highlight was the introduction of a new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. This legislation aims to:

• Broaden regulation to include more digital services and supply chains.
• Empower regulators to enforce stringent cyber security measures.
• Mandate increased incident reporting to enhance the government's response to cyber attacks.

This move follows a major ransomware attack on pathology provider Synnovis on June 3, 2024, which disrupted services in southeast London. According to NHS England data released on July 11, 2024, this attack led to the postponement of 6,199 outpatient appointments and 1,491 elective procedures at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Adding to the urgency, the National Cyber Security Centre issued an alert on July 9, 2024, warning about the evolving techniques of China state-sponsored cyber attackers.

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Boosting the Economy with Digital Innovation

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The King's Speech also announced a Digital Information and Smart Data Bill aimed at:

• Enabling innovative uses of data to stimulate economic growth.
• Establishing digital verification services, including digital identity products, to help people securely identify themselves online.

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Addressing AI Development

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While an anticipated AI bill was not included, the speech mentioned plans to establish legislation for those developing advanced AI models. This omission drew concern from the Health Foundation, which, in its June 26, 2024, report, called for an AI adoption strategy in the NHS.

Meanwhile, on July 12, 2024, the European Union approved the Artificial Intelligence Act, set to regulate AI systems across its member states starting August 1, 2024.

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Improving NHS Services

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The government also announced measures to improve the NHS by:

• Reducing waiting times.
• Focusing on preventive care.
• Enhancing mental health services for young people.

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Dame Jennifer Dixon, chief executive of the Health Foundation, emphasised the need for long-term investment and reform to restore the NHS. She welcomed the commitment to reducing wait times and focusing on prevention, stressing that with the right policies, innovation, and investment, the NHS can recover.

Tom Whicher, CEO and co-founder of DrDoctor, expressed eagerness to see how technology will partner with the new government to achieve these goals, especially in reducing waiting times.

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Conclusion

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The King's Speech outlined ambitious plans to strengthen cyber security, leverage digital innovation, and improve NHS services. These measures, if effectively implemented, have the potential to drive significant improvements in public safety, economic growth, and healthcare.

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For more updates and insights on digital health and cybersecurity, stay tuned to our blog, digital health diary and threat reports.

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