The UK government has confirmed that the new National Cyber Force (NCF) will be located in Samlesbury, Lancashire, and that it will receive more than £5 billion of investment before 2030.

The move will provide thousands of highly skilled jobs to the North West of England.

“The permanent site of the NCF will be established in Samlesbury, cementing the North-West region’s position as the cyber centre of the UK,” said the UK government.

“GCHQ already have an office in Manchester and the city is Europe’s fastest growing major tech cluster, with more than 15% of Manchester’s population employed by the digital, creative and technology sector.

“The NCF draws together personnel from intelligence, cyber and security agency GCHQ, the MoD, the Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), under one unified command for the first time.

“Offensive cyber operations are those which can disrupt hostile state activities, terrorists and criminals threatening the UK’s national security – from countering terror plots to conducting military operations.”

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The National Cyber Force located in Samlesbury will embrace exciting new offensive cyber technologies and provide thousands of highly skilled jobs and expertise to the North West.

“I am hugely proud and enthusiastic to see this happen, not only will it provide a catalyst for investment, but also see our levelling up agenda bring economic stimulus and tangible benefits to this region.”

UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: “The National Cyber Force will help confront aggressive behaviour from malign actors, and demonstrate that Britain is investing in next-generation defence capability to protect our people and help our friends counter cyber threats.

“It sends a powerful message to our allies and adversaries alike.”