National Security Act 2023 (c. 32)

Part 1 U.K. Espionage, sabotage and persons acting for foreign powers

Sabotage U.K.

12 Sabotage U.K.

(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) the person engages in conduct that results in damage to any asset,

(b) the person intends their conduct to result in damage to an asset, or is reckless as to whether their conduct will result in damage to an asset,

(c) the person’s conduct is for a purpose that they know, or having regard to other matters known to them ought reasonably to know, is prejudicial to the safety or interests of the United Kingdom, and

(d) the foreign power condition is met in relation to the person’s conduct (see section 31).

(2) Subsection (1) applies—

(a) whether the person’s conduct takes place in the United Kingdom or elsewhere;

(b) whether the asset is in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

(3) In this section—

• “asset” means an asset of any kind whether tangible or intangible and includes in particular real and personal property, electronic systems and information;

• “damage” includes any of the following (whether permanent or temporary)—

  (a)

  destruction;

  (b)

  alteration;

  (c)

  contamination;

  (d)

  interference;

  (e)

  loss of or reduction in access or availability;

  (f)

  loss of or reduction in function, utility or reliability.

(4) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life or a fine (or both).

Commencement Information

I1 S. 12 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 100(1)

I2 S. 12 in force at 20.12.2023 by S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(a)