Govt “dangerously asleep at the wheel” on tackling Russia with cuts to vital Security Fund

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have warned that the Government is not taking the threats from Russia seriously, as Cabinet Office data shows that Integrated Security Fund spending on Russia is set to fall by over 20% between 2026 and 2029.

New data from the Cabinet Office has revealed that the Integrated Security Fund (ISF)’s non-ODA spending on Russia will decrease by over 20% between 2026/27 and 2028/29 - despite the Government promising to support the UK’s national security priorities. The ISF’s spending on countering state and cyber threats is also due to be cut by over 10% across the same period.

This comes as research from the Henry Jackson Society has warned that Britain is now a “top-tier target” for Kremlin-backed hackers, with attacks rising sharply in response to UK political and military decisions. Recorded attacks rose from seven incidents across the whole of 2022 to 27 in January 2023 alone.

The Liberal Democrats have warned that this shows the Government is not taking threats from Russia seriously enough, and have called for the Government to commit to boosting defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030 in light of Russia’s threat to UK and European security.

Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson, James MacCleary MP, said:

“While the Kremlin intensifies its shadow warfare against the British people, this Government remains dangerously asleep at the wheel.

“Slashing the Integrated Security Fund budget for tackling Russia at the very moment Putin is ramping up his aggression only serves to make our country more vulnerable. These are not abstract risks; they are direct attacks on our infrastructure, our democracy, and our safety.

“The Liberal Democrats are clear, ministers must provide the long-term investment needed to stand up to the Kremlin’s bullying. We must ensure the UK is a fortress, not a soft target.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

First reported by the I.

Cabinet Office data can be found here.

Henry Jackson Society research detailed here.