LegislationWednesday, 17 June 2026

National Security (State Threats) Bill: Second Reading

The National Security (State Threats) Bill will complete all parliamentary stages in the Commons on a single day. This legislation creates new criminal offences and enforcement powers to counter threats from hostile state actors, including espionage, sabotage, and foreign interference in UK institutions. The bill gives security agencies expanded tools to investigate and prosecute state-sponsored threats while imposing obligations on specified sectors to report suspicious activity.

This bill fundamentally reshapes how the UK responds to state-level threats from adversaries such as Russia and China. It affects civil liberties (expanded surveillance and investigation powers), business compliance (especially in critical infrastructure and sensitive sectors), and national security doctrine. Anyone working in defence, technology, finance, telecommunications, or critical infrastructure will face new legal obligations and reporting requirements.

Interested MPs

Mark SewardsLabour Party

Leeds South West and Morley

Sir Oliver DowdenConservative and Unionist Party

Hertsmere

Jess PhillipsLabour Party

Birmingham Yardley

Dame Karen BradleyConservative and Unionist Party

Staffordshire Moorlands

Stephen DoughtyLabour and Co-operative Party

Cardiff South and Penarth

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