The UK will call on NATO members to strengthen their defences in response to what is being described as a “new AI arms race.” Pat McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and UK Minister for Intergovernmental Relations, is set to deliver this appeal today at the NATO Cyber Defence Conference in London.
In his address, McFadden is likely to stress the need for collective efforts to counter adversaries using artificial intelligence (AI) for both cyber and physical warfare. His remarks will include warnings about the increasing threat posed by Russian cyber activities, particularly targeting nations supporting Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Moscow.
“Cyber war is now a daily reality. One where our defences are constantly being tested,” said McFadden. “The extent of the threat must be matched by the strength of our resolve to combat it and to protect our citizens and systems. 75 years after its foundation, it is clear we need NATO more than ever.”
In response to these challenges, the UK will announce the establishment of a new Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), which will receive £8.22m in government funding. The facility aims to enhance cyber defence capabilities and explore the implications of AI for national security. It will collaborate with organisations including GCHQ, the Alan Turing Institute and leading universities while encouraging private-sector investment.
McFadden is also expected to highlight the dual-edged nature of AI, which offers opportunities to bolster security but poses significant risks if misused. “AI is already revolutionising many parts of life – including national security,” he is expected to say. “But as we develop this technology, there’s a danger it could be weaponised against us because our adversaries are also looking at how to use AI on the physical and cyber battlefield.”
NATO Cyber Defence Conference focuses on evolving threats
The NATO Cyber Defence Conference, being hosted in London for the first time, has gathered representatives from member states to address evolving cyber threats. Discussions will focus on adapting to technological advancements, with McFadden urging participants to reinforce digital security measures in the face of increasingly aggressive cyber activity.
As part of its efforts to support NATO allies, the UK will also announce a £1m incident response initiative aimed at enhancing the bloc’s ability to manage cyberattacks. McFadden will reiterate the UK’s commitment to vigilance against state-backed cyber aggression and its continued support for Ukraine. “Be in no doubt: the United Kingdom and others in this room are watching Russia,” said the minister. “We know exactly what they are doing, and we are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.”
UK to ramp up cyber resilience with new legislation and infrastructure measures
The UK government’s actions to address the AI arms race are part of broader efforts to bolster cyber resilience and innovation. These include the upcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and recent steps to classify data centres as critical national infrastructure (CNI).
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, set for introduction in 2025, aims to strengthen the UK’s defences against escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure and essential digital services. It will modernise outdated regulations by expanding their scope to include more services and supply chains. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will also empower regulators with new investigative powers and mandate broader incident reporting to improve the government’s understanding of threats.
By addressing vulnerabilities exposed in recent attacks on institutions like the NHS, the Bill seeks to secure the UK’s digital economy and align its standards with evolving global practices, ensuring national resilience against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.
Meanwhile, as part of designating data centres as, a dedicated data infrastructure team will be established to enhance security and threat response. This team will monitor emerging risks and ensure prioritised access to security agencies such as the National Cyber Security Centre. Senior government officials will lead efforts to coordinate emergency services during incidents.
The government asserts that granting CNI status to data centres will deter cybercriminals from targeting facilities holding critical health and financial data, reducing disruption to individuals, the NHS, and the economy.
Read more: UK designates data centres as critical national infrastructure to boost cybersecurity
