Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plans for cyber security, digital, and data were highlighted in the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024.
King Charles III unveiled a total of 40 bills during the State Opening of Parliament, including a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. This new legislation aims to broaden regulations to cover more digital services and supply chains, empower regulators to enforce cyber security measures, and require increased incident reporting to enhance the government’s response to cyber attacks.
These measures were prompted by a recent ransomware attack on Synnovis, a pathology provider, causing ongoing disruptions in services in south east London. NHS England data from 11 July 2024 revealed significant delays in outpatient appointments and elective procedures at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.
In addition, the National Cyber Security Centre issued a warning on 9 July 2024 regarding evolved cyber attack techniques by China state-sponsored actors.
Another key piece of legislation announced was the Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, which aims to leverage data for economic growth through new innovative uses. This bill will establish digital verification services, including digital identity products for secure online identification.
While an AI bill was not included in the King’s Speech as anticipated, plans to introduce legislation for regulating powerful artificial intelligence models were mentioned. The Health Foundation expressed concerns about the NHS lacking a clear AI strategy and recommended prioritizing an AI roadmap.
On the international front, the European Union approved the Artificial Intelligence Act on 12 July 2024 to regulate AI systems across its Member States, effective from 1 August 2024.
King Charles also outlined the government’s plans to improve the NHS by addressing wait times, focusing on prevention, and enhancing mental health services for youth. Reaction to the King’s Speech was positive, with health experts emphasizing the importance of long-term investment and innovation in healthcare.
Looking ahead, stakeholders like Tom Whicher from DrDoctor are eager to see the urgent implementation of legislation to fulfill the government’s goals, particularly in reducing waiting times and utilizing technology as a valuable partner.
