Full Breakdown
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Announces National Centre for Information Defence at UN
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 22, Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivered a speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York announcing the creation of a National Centre for Information Defence. The centre will “detect, attribute and disrupt” foreign disinformation, focusing on Russian-state-backed campaigns and the emerging threat of artificial-intelligence-driven manipulation.
Background & Context
Burnham framed the initiative as a response to an “industrial-scale assault” on the information environment by hostile actors, especially Russia. He noted that Russian agencies allocate roughly £1.3 billion a year to spread lies using bots, fake websites and deep-fakes. The UK also intends to lead an international effort to establish global standards for AI safety.
Data & Statistics
- £1.3 billion – estimated annual Russian spending on information-warfare.
- 28 British institutions, including the BBC, have had their branding copied by Russian-linked operations.
Official Statements & Responses
- Andy Burnham (UK Prime Minister) – “In recent years we have seen an industrial-scale assault by hostile actors on the information environment in the UK and many of our allies. Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people’s fears. They’ve used bots and fake websites.” He added that the new centre will work with intelligence agencies, law-enforcement and social-media platforms.
- Andy Burnham – “We are America’s closest ally. We have deep ties with our friends in the EU and will deepen them further. We work with China and emerging powers like India and Brazil. We sit on the Security Council. In the Commonwealth.”
- Andy Burnham – On the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he warned that “far too many people have died, including so many children… We will not stand by as the horrific suffering continues to grow.”
- Dmitry Peskov (Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman) – On September 23, Peskov rebuked the UK plan, accusing the British government of stoking “anti-Russian sentiment” and “fostering Russophobia.”
- Wes Streeting (UK Defence Secretary) – Assured that the centre will target hostile state actors and will not be used to police “domestic political dissent,” emphasizing that citizens remain free to challenge the government.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In recent years we have seen an industrial-scale assault by hostile actors on the information environment in the UK and many of our allies. Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people’s fears. They’ve used bots and fake websites,” — Andy Burnham
- “We are America’s closest ally. We have deep ties with our friends in the EU and will deepen them further. We work with China and emerging powers like India and Brazil. We sit on the Security Council. In the Commonwealth,” — Andy Burnham
- “Far too many people have died, including so many children. Far too little aid is getting in, and it has gone on for far too long. We will not stand by as the horrific suffering continues to grow,” — Andy Burnham
What’s Next
Burnham’s government will operationalise the National Centre for Information Defence in the coming months, coordinating with intelligence services and international partners. The UK will also pursue a multilateral framework for AI governance at upcoming G20 meetings, leveraging its UN presidency to shape global standards.
