UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced the establishment of a new National Centre for Information Defence during a speech at the United Nations, describing it as a coordinated effort to address information warfare from hostile foreign states. The centre will work to detect, attribute, and disrupt disinformation campaigns and deepfakes enabled by artificial intelligence, bringing together intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and social media companies in a unified response.
Burnham characterized foreign information operations as insidious campaigns that manipulate public perception and sow division within communities. He specifically highlighted Russia’s efforts, noting that Russian agencies spend approximately £1.3 billion annually on information manipulation. According to the prime minister, Russian operations have employed various tactics including false websites, fabricated articles, and forged branding of British organizations such as universities and the BBC. He also referenced evidence suggesting Russian involvement in attempts to interfere with the 2019 general election and efforts to exploit tensions following traumatic events.
The prime minister suggested that certain segments of the population face heightened vulnerability to disinformation. Those struggling with cost-of-living pressures and young people not engaged in employment, education, or training may be more susceptible to foreign influence online. Burnham connected this vulnerability to broader social inequality, arguing that widening disparities weaken societal resilience against information attacks.
The new centre will focus on building national resilience by helping communities identify and counter false narratives. Burnham stated that the UK intends to share its defensive strategies and experience with allied nations, including support previously provided to Moldova for election protection. This announcement followed remarks from US President Donald Trump suggesting the UK should moderate its stance toward Russia, to which Downing Street responded by reaffirming consistent UK government positions on Russian threats as unacceptable.
Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, welcomed the announcement as implementation of recommendations from the committee’s disinformation diplomacy report, describing the new centre as an opportunity to address a long-standing coordination gap in government responses to information threats.
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