500 signatures reached
To: UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer
Stop Trump’s Kill Switch: secure our Digital Sovereignty
We demand that the UK government reclaims control of our digital infrastructure. Our future shouldn’t be controlled by foreign powers. We need digital sovereignty to keep our communications, banking, energy, travel and healthcare systems secure so that the UK can stay independent and resilient.
Why is this important?
Imagine waking up tomorrow and finding the UK government, your bank, or even our hospital systems suddenly offline. Not because of hackers, but because a foreign company, or a foreign leader decided to flip a switch.
This isn’t science fiction. When President Trump wanted to punish the International Criminal Court, the US sanction regime forced Microsoft to block the court’s emails. That’s the reality of being dependent on foreign tech. This has happened in peacetime to an organisation, what happens if there is a war?
Other countries in Europe including Germany, France and Denmark are acting fast. They’re building “digital sovereignty” so critical systems can’t be controlled by outsiders. The UK is still sitting on the sidelines.
What is the problem?
The UK is dangerously reliant on a small number of foreign tech companies for critical digital infrastructure. These companies are mainly located in the US and include Amazon, Google, Microsoft and Palantir whose services are used across government and public services. But they also include companies based in Israel and China.
MPs took action over Huawei’s collusion with the Chinese government but they need to do more to challenge the UK’s dependence on other foreign-controlled companies for the systems that underpin our democracy, economy, and national security. This has become even more urgent now that the US government is openly operating outside of international law.
Even “secure” systems are fragile when foreign powers can cut the plug.
The solutions exist
Open-source systems already exist, and Europe is investing billions to replace commercial software subject to US legal controls.
Using Open Source software does not stop governments from employing US companies, but it makes it possible to sever relations if necessary. This is good for competition, costs and sovereignty.
The UK needs to:
- Use open-source software that the UK can control.
- Diversify suppliers – including more UK companies to help grow our economy.
- Make sure critical systems can’t be switched off by someone else.
Take action now
This isn’t just about technology. It’s about sovereignty, democracy, and safety. Join us and demand the UK government reclaim control of our critical systems. We can’t wait until it’s too late.
