Opening Remarks at the International Security Expo
Good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome. It is a privilege to stand before you today in this remarkable venue, marking my third consecutive appearance at the International Security Expo. One might hope that the third time will indeed be the charm!
As I juggle my commitments, I find myself explaining to my colleagues in Liverpool why I am unable to attend the party conference this year. Thankfully, the duties of national security provide a compelling justification for my absence.
This event has become a cherished annual ritual for me. While party politics unfold in Liverpool, I relish the opportunity to engage with the innovative technologies on display here at Olympia, in our nation’s capital. I leave it to your discretion to determine which group is more manageable!
And let me clarify, when I mention robots and drones, I am in no way referring to anyone in this distinguished audience!
In all seriousness, I greatly value this engagement. Each time I attend, I gain a deeper appreciation for the expertise, creativity, and dedication present within the UK’s security sector.
Advancements in Security Legislation
Last year, I highlighted the various threats we face, and I am pleased to report that we are making significant strides in addressing them, always in close collaboration with industry partners.
Our measures at the borders have been reinforced through the establishment of the Border Security Command and the implementation of new powers under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act. As a result, we have seen a marked increase in arrests, disruptions, and enforcement activity, successfully preventing tens of thousands of attempted crossings since the last election.
In March, we launched the Fraud Strategy for 2026 to 2029, committing over £250 million to combat fraud. We have also set up a new Online Crime Centre that brings together law enforcement, intelligence agencies, banks, communications providers, and technology firms to identify and dismantle fraud networks effectively.
Earlier this year, we released the Cyber Action Plan, backed by over £210 million, aimed at bolstering the resilience of public services and enhancing our response capabilities to cyber incidents, including ransomware. This initiative will soon be complemented by the National Cyber Action Plan (NCAP), which will involve industry and the private sector in our efforts.
Additionally, the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB) will introduce the most significant updates to the UK’s cyber regulatory framework in years. In July, we enacted the National Security (State Threats) Act 2026, providing us with robust new tools to detect, deter, and disrupt actions by hostile foreign entities.
Remembering Martyn Hett and Supporting Security Measures
This year, we also published statutory guidance for organisations under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, in memory of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. It is a testament to the extraordinary courage and leadership of Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, whom I am honoured to see in attendance today. Her relentless campaigning has been crucial in advancing this legislation.
As we prepare for the implementation of these measures, we will continue collaborating closely with the private security industry and its regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), to foster a culture of preparedness across the UK.
Our objective remains focused on ensuring that the broader regulatory framework provides the protections that the public rightfully expects. Earlier this year, we witnessed effective enforcement when Ofqual restricted an awarding body’s ability to register new learners due to serious concerns, which the SIA supported by removing qualifications from its approved listings.
This decisive action sends a strong message: the SIA will not tolerate malpractice in any form. The government also remains committed to addressing the recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry and is currently reviewing consultation responses, with a formal response to follow shortly.
Real-World Capabilities and Technological Advancements
Legislation, while important, is only part of the solution. Developing real-world capabilities is equally critical. I was pleased to open Europe’s largest drone testing centre in June, aimed at driving autonomous innovation, supporting SMEs, boosting exports, and creating jobs.
As the drone threat evolves, so must our countermeasures. We continue to invest in specialist police counter-drone capabilities. Additionally, we launched the National Canine Training and Accreditation Scheme to establish a single national centre for accrediting private-sector explosives detection dog teams, reminding us that some of our most effective security measures still rely on four-legged expertise.
Tomorrow, we will initiate a public consultation on proposals to enhance controls under the Poisons Act, including the inclusion of plant toxins for the first time. This aligns with our commitment to respond decisively to findings from the Southport Inquiry regarding substances that pose a clear risk.
Last year, I emphasised the need to transition from strategy development to effective implementation and delivery. The next challenge is to build our nation’s resilience and sovereign capabilities by leveraging the exceptional talent and expertise within this sector.
Strengthening Sovereign Capabilities and Economic Growth
We have witnessed how global shocks can expose vulnerabilities and create strategic risks. Therefore, this government is committed to enhancing the sovereign capabilities that underpin both our security and prosperity. In April, we launched a £500 million Sovereign AI Fund, reinforcing our position as an AI creator rather than merely a consumer.
This initiative aims to ensure that strategically important AI companies establish themselves, grow, and remain in the UK, rather than being acquired or relocating overseas. As global attention increasingly focuses on AI risks, I take pride in the fact that the UK hosts one of the world’s leading AI Security Institutes.
Earlier this year, the government introduced new measures, including the appointment of dedicated National Security Procurement Leads, to leverage the annual £400 billion spent on public procurement to bolster resilience, support British industry, and safeguard critical supply chains.
Government spending should not merely procure capabilities; it should also sustain the skills, technologies, supply chains, and industrial capacity upon which our nation depends. The government has already confirmed that British-founded firms have secured billions in additional public contracts through this approach, fostering jobs, innovation, and growth across key UK sectors.
Export Opportunities and Global Partnerships
The figures paint a compelling picture: the UK’s security and resilience sector now generates £27.6 billion annually, sustaining nearly 150,000 jobs, with significant growth over the past decade. Export figures reached £12.9 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately half of the sector’s revenue, positioning the UK as the third-largest market globally, following the US and China.
Importantly, this sector creates opportunities nationwide, with over half of security sector jobs located outside London, driving growth, productivity, and prosperity throughout the UK. As Security Minister, I am committed to supporting the sector’s continued growth both domestically and internationally.
The government recognises the security sector as an area where the UK holds a genuine competitive advantage. Export statistics reflect the trust that global partners place in British innovation, expertise, and standards. The Home Office collaborates closely with our diplomatic network to assist UK companies in competing on the global stage, alongside colleagues from the newly expanded Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
This support includes connecting companies with overseas decision-makers, promoting trade missions, and leveraging ministerial and diplomatic engagement to access high-growth markets. When new opportunities arise, we strive to seize them by bringing together international partners and leading British security suppliers.
A prime example is Morocco’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, where the government is facilitating UK companies in competing for billions of pounds worth of contracts across infrastructure and security sectors over the next three years.
Engagement and Collaboration for Future Success
To conclude, I urge everyone here to engage with colleagues across the government, particularly the Joint Security and Resilience Centre (JSaRC), whose purpose is to listen, understand, and help create pathways for innovation and partnership. I encourage you to take the opportunity to speak with the JSaRC team during your time here.
Reflecting on another significant milestone since last year’s expo, I want to mention the first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism, held on 21 August and attended by our Prime Minister. This day was established to honour those whose lives have been irreversibly affected by acts of terrorism, ensuring their voices remain central to our national response.
Attending the inaugural ceremony was one of the most humbling experiences of my public service career, underscoring the common thread that binds us all. Ultimately, the goal behind every capability we develop, every law we strengthen, and every partnership we forge is