Ministers publish new security and emergency measures direction

The English and Welsh governments have issued a new ministerial direction setting out the outcomes water companies in England and Wales must meet in the interest of national security and for the purpose of mitigating the effects of any civil emergency.

The 2022 Security and Emergency Measures Direction specified a general duty: “The company must, in complying with this Direction, have regard to any relevant guidance, procedures, requirements, best practice and any risks, including long term risks, relating to civil emergencies and national security.” It went on to lay out expectations on issues including planning; provision and use of facilities; identification and management of security risks; cooperation and information sharing; incident response; reporting; and assurance.

The new publication replaces the The Security and Emergency Measures (Water and Sewerage Undertakers) Direction 1998 and the Security and Emergency Measures (Water Supply Licensees) Direction 201.