Scotland’s ability to prevent and respond to the growing cyber threat will be increased with the creation of a new Scottish Cyber Co-ordination Centre (SC3).
The £1.5 million central coordination function will strengthen Scotland’s resilience to withstand the highest level of cyber threat.
The Scottish Government’s Covid Recovery Strategy commits to establishing a recognised, authoritative and collaborative function to combat the accelerating threat of cyber attack.
This has led to the creation of the SC3, which will pool expertise to: share intelligence; provide early warning of cyber threat and attacks; manage incidents and lead recovery. Recruitment for a head of the centre is already underway, with SC3 set to be formally launched later this year.
SC3 was announced ahead of the start of CyberScotland Week (Monday 28 February – 6th March), which will feature over a hundred events and activities across Scotland, focusing on building the cyber resilience of individuals, businesses and organisations.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “At times of heightened international tension, it is more important than ever to ensure that Scotland is ready to defend itself against cyber attacks.
“Sustaining and increasing Scotland’s cyber resilience requires us to continue harnessing the power of working in partnership, and stepping it up at all levels.
“Establishing a new dedicated cyber co-ordination centre is a bold and ambitious development for Scotland.
“By providing a central coordination function that pools expertise from across a number of existing or developing Centres of Excellence, we can maximise our ability to work together to address cyber threats and attacks – whether that is sharing intelligence, providing early warnings, managing incidents or leading recovery.
“During CyberScotland week, I would urge individuals, businesses and organisations across Scotland to reflect on what they can do to keep themselves and others safe from emerging threats. The National Cyber Security Centre has trustworthy and up-to-the minute guidance on keeping safe and secure online.”
PM Boris Johnson announces £40 million of further humanitarian aid to Ukraine
£40m more aid released to provide vital medical supplies and other help to Ukraine
Assistance in addition to wider economic and military support bolstering the Ukrainian resistance to the Russian invasion
Announcement follows PM discussions with President Zelenskyy and meeting with Ukrainian community leaders in London this weekend
The UK has stepped up its support to the people of Ukraine again today (Sunday) with the announcement of £40 million of further humanitarian aid to the country.
The funding will help aid agencies respond to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, creating a lifeline for Ukrainians with access to basic necessities and medical supplies such as medicines, syringes, dressings and wound care packs.
UK Government humanitarian experts have also deployed to the region to support those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
On Saturday evening the Prime Minister spoke again to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy who updated him on the critical need for humanitarian assistance as people are forced to flee their homes and seek safety.
This evening he met Ukrainian community leaders at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London to hear their stories about the impact of Russian violence on the people of Ukraine.
In response to the growing concern of Ukrainians living in the UK about their welfare of their families back home, today the Prime Minister also confirmed that any person settled in the UK will be able to bring their Ukrainian immediate family members to join them here. This will benefit many thousands of people who at this moment are making desperate choices about their future.
The UK also continues to support those Ukrainians who wish to remain close to home through logistical and humanitarian support to Ukraine’s neighbours.
The Prime Minister said: “In the last days the world has witnessed awe-inspiring displays of bravery and heroism from the Ukrainian people in response to those who seek to obliterate their freedom by force.
“The UK will not turn our backs in Ukraine’s hour of need. We are providing all the economic and military support we can to help those Ukrainians risking everything to protect their country.”
This latest assistance package brings the total amount of UK Government aid pledged to Ukraine this year to £140 million. Last week the Prime Minister also announced the UK would guarantee up to $500 million of loans to Ukraine through Multilateral Development Banks.
The UK also continues to supply defensive military equipment to the Ukrainian military to bolster their resistance against invading Russian forces.
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “Putin’s regime has undertaken an illegal and violent assault against the people of Ukraine.
“The UK will provide £40 million in aid to help our Ukrainian friends, more funding to tackle what is becoming a humanitarian crisis.
“We stand with Ukraine, shoulder to shoulder, in its hour of need”.
Scotland also sends aid to Ukraine
Scottish Government to provide financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following Russian invasion
The Scottish Government will provide both financial aid and medical supplies to Ukraine following the illegal invasion by Russia.
Firstly, an initial £4m in humanitarian aid will be provided. As part of the global humanitarian efforts, this will help provide basic humanitarian assistance, including in health, water and sanitation, and shelter.
Officials are in discussions with humanitarian aid agencies to identify the best route to get this aid most quickly to those affected by the Ukraine crisis, including to those displaced by the invasion.
In addition to financial aid, the Scottish Government will provide medical supplies to Ukraine.
The supplies provided are based on a list of urgently needed medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals provided by the Ukrainian Government via their Edinburgh consulate.
The supplies to be provided will include anaesthetic machines, syringe pumps and bandages.
However, further work is underway to identify what further supplies can be provided and in what quantities, in order that they can be shipped to Ukraine as quickly as possible.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Scotland has given its unqualified support for Ukrainian independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and to the people of Ukraine as they bravely resist the unprovoked and illegal aggression of the Russian regime.
“As a responsible and compassionate global citizen we will help with an initial £4 million in financial aid to provide essential help to those in desperate need.
“And we are also working with the Ukrainian government to provide medical supplies from stocks we hold. We are coordinating with other UK nations to ensure that these supplies get to where they are desperately needed as quickly as possible.
“There will be much more that we need to do in the days to come. But one thing is already clear. Words of support are not enough. Ukraine needs our active help and support now, and we will provide as much practical support as possible, starting immediately.”
Scotland’s Humanitarian Emergency Response Fund is currently assessing the response capacity on the Ukraine crisis.
Further Economic Sanctions Targeted at the Central Bank of the Russian Federation
The UK government has announced its intention to take further restrictive economic measures in response to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, by targeting the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).
Following already announced sanctions measures aimed at imposing severe consequences on Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian economy, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in coordination with the Governor of the Bank of England, yesterday announced the UK Government’s intention to take further economic action against Russia by targeting the Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR).
This action is taken in concert with the US and the European Union, to prevent the CBR from deploying its foreign reserves in ways that undermine the impact of sanctions imposed by us and our allies, and to undercut its ability to engage in foreign exchange transactions to support the Russian rouble.
The UK Government will immediately take all necessary steps to bring into effect restrictions to prohibit any UK natural or legal persons from undertaking financial transactions involving the CBR, the Russian National Wealth Fund, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation.
The UK Government intends to make further related designations this week, working alongside our international partners.
The Chancellor said: “These measures demonstrate our determination to apply severe economic sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We are announcing this action in rapid coordination with our US and European allies to move in lock step once more with our international partners, to demonstrate our steadfast resolve in imposing the highest costs on Russia and to cut her off from the international financial system so long as this conflict persists.
The Governor of the Bank of England said: “The Bank of England continues to take any and all actions needed to support the Government’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“We welcome the steps taken today by the UK Government, in coordination with EU and US authorities, as an important and powerful demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the international rule of law.”
