National Security Act measures come into force

Measures put in place by the National Security Act in July have come into force.

Law enforcement agencies will now be able to use the new tools and modernised powers to deter, detect and disrupt threats from those acting on behalf of foreign states against the UK and its interests.  

It is now an offence to be an undeclared foreign spy materially assisting the activities of a foreign intelligence service in the UK.

Other new offences include updated espionage offences, including the theft of trade secrets, foreign interference, including in the UK’s political system, sabotage, and modern ways of attempting to access the UK’s most sensitive sites.

Home secretary, James Cleverly, said: "There are foreign powers who have shown their willingness to make threats to the UK and our freedoms. The National Security Act will prove critical in helping police and intelligence partners to make it even more difficult for them to do so, and as the core measures come in to force today, the UK becomes a safer country.

"We will always do everything possible to protect the United Kingdom."

Deputy Prime Minister, Oliver Dowden, said: "The National Security Act is the most significant reform of espionage law in a century and demonstrates that the Government will always act to protect the UK from threats to our security, prosperity and interests.

"State threats are an evolving challenge and the new offences and powers in the National Security Act will ensure that our intelligence services and law enforcement have the tools they need to counter them."

Head of Counter-Terrorism Police, Matt Jukes, said: "The National Security Act means that UK policing will have the modern day practical powers required to detect, disrupt, deter, and prosecute those who seek to undermine our freedom and values.

"It will also ensure that policing continues to play an integral role in protecting our communities from the threats posed by hostile state actors."