The UK needs to improve its cyberpower to protect its interests from foreign powers, said Boris Johnson in a statement on Saturday.

The news comes as the prime minister prepares to present an Integrated Review of security, defence, development, and foreign policy to parliament on Tuesday.

The government said the review will announce “a new cyber strategy to create a cyber ecosystem fit for the future”, including more investment in education, partnerships with industry and integration across defence and intelligence services.

Johnson is also set to announce the establishment of a ‘cyber corridor’ across the North of England, which the government said will create thousands of jobs.

The move will include opening the HQ of the National Cyber Force (NCF) in the North of England.

The NCF was created in 2020 to improve the UK’s capacity to conduct offensive cyber operations against terrorists, hostile states and criminals, and draws personnel from both defence and intelligence agencies.

The government said this will drive growth in the tech, digital and defence sectors outside of London and improve collaboration between government, the tech sector and universities in the region.

The UK spent $59 billion, 2.1 per cent of national income, on defence in 2019 – the most of any European country.

“Cyber power is revolutionising the way we live our lives and fight our wars, just as air power did 100 years ago,” said Johnson. “We need to build up our cyber capability so we can grasp the opportunities it presents while ensuring those who seek to use its powers to attack us and our way of life are thwarted at every turn.”

He added: “Our new, full-spectrum approach to cyber will transform our ability to protect our people, promote our interests around the world and make the lives of British people better every day.”

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