CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has backed plans outlined by the Chancellor to make the UK the best protected country from cyber terror by doubling investment to £1.9-billion and creating a National Cyber Centre.

Across the UK’s security agencies nearly 2,000 more staff will be recruited to keep the country safe from terrorist attacks. Due to the horrific attacks in Paris the Government have brought the announcement of their investment forward.

Mr Stride said: ‘The internet has been an incredible force for good; increasing social mobility, improving education and almost every business benefits from an online presence. However, it has also become a tool used by terrorists to attack our government, our military, our banks and our businesses.

Countering cyber-terrorism is essential and doubling investment in the field will help prevent attacks and make Britain one of the safest places to do business online.’

Cyber-terrorism describes acts of intentional and large-scale disruption of computer networks and its services.

The Government has argued that terrorist organisations such as ISIS are determined to develop their cyber-terrorism capabilities to target vital UK infrastructure.