Threats posed to UK by North Korean capability
6 December 2017
The Committee previously held a one-off oral evidence session on the situation in North East Asia in September 2017 following recent nuclear and missile tests by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
Subsequently, the government reported that North Korea was also responsible for the ‘Wannacry’ global malware attack in May 2017 which, in the UK, particularly affected NHS IT systems. Reports from the ongoing National Security Capability Review suggest that the government plans to increase investment in UK cyber capabilities.
The Defence Committee is examining the threats posed to the UK by North Korean capability, particularly from nuclear and cyber-attack, and the UK’s capability to respond to these threats. The Committee will also examine how the UK is currently responding to the North Korean crisis and its options for responding to further military escalation.
Send a written submission
The Committee seeks written submissions addressing the following issues:
- What is the security threat currently posed by North Korea capabilities in nuclear, cyber and other, conventional weapons to the UK and its allies?
- Is the UK adequately prepared to defend against cyber and other emerging threats from North Korea?
- How is the Ministry of Defence supporting other government departments and the private sector to defend themselves against cyber threats, such as those posed by North Korea?
- What might be the potential capability of North Korea in nuclear, cyber and other, conventional weapons in the coming future?
- How might the UK government respond to any further escalation of the crisis, such as further development of North Korean military capabilities or conflict on or near the Korean peninsula.
The closing date for submission of written evidence is Friday 12 January 2018.