In Plain English
AI-generatedThe Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 gives the government new powers to protect the security of telecom networks and critical infrastructure. It has completed Parliament’s passage and is now law (Royal Assent).
Key Points
- Introduces security duties for telecoms operators and equipment providers to guard against security threats and foreign influence.
- Allows the government to impose security measures or restrictions on ownership, control, or procurement of telecoms equipment and services.
- Strengthens resilience of critical telecoms infrastructure to support national security.
- Lords amendments were rejected by government motions to disagree, with large parliamentary majorities in both divisions (273-161 and 276-161).
Progress
The bill has completed its passage and received Royal Assent; it is now law.
Voting
In two divisions, the government won the motions to disagree with Lords amendments, backed by Conservative and allied MPs (273-161 and 276-161). Labour and most opposition parties opposed the motions.
Who is affected?
Telecommunications operators and network providersEquipment manufacturers and suppliers to the telecoms sectorTelecoms customers and the general publicRegulators such as Ofcom and relevant government security agenciesIndustries dependent on critical national telecoms infrastructure
Generated 21 February 2026