The United Kingdom has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening the nation’s cyber defences across key sectors including healthcare, energy, water, and transport. The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, presented to Parliament on 12 November 2025, seeks to modernise the country’s approach to cyber protection and safeguard vital public services from growing digital threats.
The proposed laws are designed to prevent disruptions to essential systems—keeping hospitals operating, transport networks moving, and utilities running. The bill supports the government’s Plan for Change, and comes amid research showing that cyber attacks cost the UK nearly £15 billion annually.
Expanding Oversight and Accountability
Under this new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill framework, medium and large managed service providers—including IT support and cybersecurity firms—will now fall under direct regulation. These companies, which often hold privileged access to sensitive networks across government and private sectors, will be required to report significant cyber incidents promptly and maintain clear response plans.
Regulators will also gain powers to designate critical suppliers to essential sectors such as healthcare diagnostics and water treatment chemicals. Once designated, these suppliers must comply with minimum cybersecurity standards, closing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
To ensure compliance, enforcement measures will include turnover-based penalties for serious breaches, ensuring that cutting corners on cybersecurity is no longer cost-effective. The Technology Secretary will also have the authority to direct organisations—such as NHS Trusts and Thames Water—to take specific actions during national security threats, such as isolating high-risk systems or increasing monitoring.
Protecting Public Infrastructure and Services
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill targets organisations that deliver critical national functions, many of which have faced disruptions in recent years. Cyber incidents such as the 2024 Synnovis NHS attack, which disrupted over 11,000 medical appointments, and the Ministry of Defence payroll breach, highlight the real-world impact of such threats.
Under the new Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, organisations will be required to report major cyber incidents to regulators and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) within 24 hours, followed by a detailed report within 72 hours. This rapid reporting will enable faster national responses and improve the overall visibility of cyber threats across industries.
Data centres—integral to maintaining patient records, payments, email systems, and AI development—will also be brought into scope. They will need to meet robust cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive data and operational continuity.
Additionally, new safeguards will apply to companies managing the flow of electricity to smart devices such as EV chargers and heating systems, reducing the risk of widespread outages or manipulation of smart-energy grids.
Industry Leaders Welcome the Bill
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall described the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill as a decisive move to protect the UK from growing cyber risks. “Cyber security is national security,” she said. “Our new laws will make the UK more secure against those threats. It will mean fewer cancelled NHS appointments, less disruption to services, and faster national response when threats emerge.”
Dr. Richard Horne, CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, emphasised the urgency of the bill, noting that cyber attacks have become more disruptive in recent months. “As a nation, we must act at pace to improve our digital defences and resilience,” he said.
Industry experts and cybersecurity leaders have also expressed support. Darktrace CEO Jill Popelka called the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill “an essential piece of legislation” for addressing AI-driven threats and protecting supply chains. Cisco UK CEO Sarah Walker noted that only 8% of UK organisations currently meet mature cybersecurity readiness levels, stressing the need for updated frameworks.
techUK CEO Julian David OBE described the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill as “a significant step forward” in modernising the UK’s cyber laws, ensuring they remain practical and effective in protecting essential services.
Strengthening the UK’s Digital Future
The Cyber Security and Resilience Bill marks a major shift in how the UK plans to secure its digital infrastructure. With cyber attacks on critical services posing risks to both the economy and public safety, the legislation aims to build a more resilient foundation for the nation’s digital growth.
By combining stricter regulations, faster reporting requirements, and greater accountability for suppliers and service providers, the UK is positioning itself to mitigate future cyber threats and protect its essential public systems.
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