National cyber force will be based in North of England

A NATIONAL cyber force centre will be the latest Government agency set up in the North, Boris Johnson is to announce.

A “cyber corridor” across the North of England will include the headquarters of the new National Cyber Force, the Prime Minister will reveal.

The force was created last year to transform the UK’s capacity to conduct targeted offensive cyber operations against terrorists, hostile states and criminal gangs. It brings together personnel from defence and intelligence agencies under one unified command for the first time.

It is hoped that the proposal will drive growth in the digital, defence and technology sectors outside London and create new partnerships between government, the sector and universities in the region.

Mr Johnson is set to outline plans to bolster Britain’s cyber capability on Tuesday, when he will also present the findings of the Government’s review of foreign and defence policy.

Ahead of his statement to the House of Commons, the Prime Minister said he would commit to take a “full spectrum” approach to cyber in a bid to stay ahead of the UK’s enemies.

“Cyber power is revolutionising the way we live our lives and fight our wars, just as air power did 100 years ago,” said Mr Johnson.

“Our new, full-spectrum approach to cyber will transform our ability to protect our people, promote our interests around the world and make the lives of British people better every day.”

In 2017, the Cabinet Office announced that a new hub close to Leeds railway station would provide working space for civil and public servants, including HM Revenue & Customs employees. NHS Digital was also moved to the hub.

Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, announced in his Budget speech this month that a Treasury campus would be set up in Darlington and a national infrastructure bank situated in Leeds.