Chancellor's speech to GCHQ on cyber security

Chancellor lays out new plan for £1.9 billion cyber investment, and details seven more departments that have settled ahead of the Spending Review.

Before I start my speech, I want to say a few words about the heart-breaking events that unfolded in Paris on Friday evening.

This was an assault not just on the people of France, but on all of us who value freedom and democracy. We stand with the people of France. We know that we must act as one, just as our enemies see us as one.

As David Cameron has said, we will do everything we possibly can to help the French at this moment of national trauma. That includes making available to them the sharpest of our own national capability, which includes the skills and capabilities of GCHQ.

Before the dreadful events of the weekend we had already indicated that we would be increasing substantially the resources we dedicate to countering the terrorist threat posed by ISIL.

The Prime Minister has made clear that across the agencies a further 1,900 staff will be recruited to keep Britain safe from terrorist attack.

This was going to be an important outcome of the Spending Review. What has unfolded in Paris has reminded us all that it is a vital one too.

As the threat develops, we will need to make sure that our capabilities develop to match it. Following what happened to the Metrojet flight from Sharm, the Prime Minister announced that we would be doubling the amount we spent on aviation security.

The answer is not just in more resources, but in ensuring those who keep us safe have the right legal framework, that allows them to do their job while preserving the values and freedoms which we are so determined to defend.

Through the Investigatory Powers Bill, HM Government will make sure that they have the powers they need to access vital intelligence about the intentions and activities of those who wish us harm.

This determination to confront threats against our country is at the heart of what you do here at GCHQ.