# UK proposes 14-year sentences for deliberate damage to undersea infrastructure

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/uk-threatens-subsea-cable-saboteurs-with-14-years-behind-bars/
- Published: 2026-10-23T09:29:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T09:38:17+00:00
- Original publisher: The Register
- Original article: https://www.theregister.com/networks/2026/10/23/uk-threatens-subsea-cable-saboteurs-with-14-years-behind-bars/5304794
- Topics: Europe, UK, World

## Key points

- Intentional damage could bring up to 14 years in prison.
- Operators may face new security duties and ministerial directions.
- The proposals are under consultation and are not yet law.

## Summary

The UK government has proposed tougher laws to protect undersea cables and pipelines, including prison sentences of up to 14 years for intentional damage. The plans respond to concerns about suspicious Russian activity and the vulnerability of infrastructure vital to Britain’s internet and energy supplies.

The government says subsea cables carry about 99 per cent of the UK’s international data traffic, while underwater pipelines provide 74 per cent of its gas. Proposed measures include unlimited fines for reckless or negligent damage, security duties for telecoms operators and powers for ministers to direct companies to act. The plans are open to a 12-week consultation; fishing boats and ships dragging anchors cause up to 97 per cent of cable faults, and proving deliberate sabotage can be difficult.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.