Mr Fox commented that the UK are experts in a wide-range of areas, including scanning, trace detection and anti-theft systems. "We are one of the top three nations for cyber-security solutions globally. And we are renowned the world over for our expertise in securing public spaces, building on our experiences at London 2012 and elsewhere.

"The statistics are clear." He continued. "The United Kingdom is the world’s second-largest defence exporter; the third-largest aerospace exporter and a producer of 40% of the world’s small satellites."

He explained that his department continues to support companies overseas and said that this year alone, the department has supported over 140 export wins. "For example, we have recently helped a Lincolnshire based security systems innovator, Concept Smoke Screen, to secure a £17.5 million contract to export anti-theft fogging systems to Brazil’s banking sector. Or there is Herefordshire based Silent Sentinel, who have recently sold £2.5 million of surveillance equipment into Poland."

And in terms of cyber security he said that Garrison have recently secured major deals in Germany and the United States. 

"This sector plays a vital role in the UK’s prosperity: totalling some £4.8 billion of our exports - and it continues to grow."

Mr Fox said that at the moment people might think of the International Trade Department as a ‘Brexit department’, but he said that about 90% of the staff work on trade and investment promotion. And around 130 of those are in the Defence and Security Organisation, the largest sector team by a wide margin, alongside a separate team for civil aerospace.

"We recently launched our first ever space exports campaign. And we are making renewed efforts to focus on our cyber security sector, which is driving much of the growth in our exports. Last April we launched a specific Cyber Security Export Strategy, based on the benefits of trade prosperity and our own national security."

He also explained that his department has been developing a revised Security Exports Strategy, which he hopes will be published soon. "It will set out our ambitions to support the industry, working in partnership with other departments, the Government’s innovation programmes and trade associations to provide greater levels of support to ensure that the UK’s exports in this important sector continue to grow."

In addition to this Mr Fox said that just prior to his speech he had signed an agreement with Sir Kevin Tebbitt, the Chairman of RISC. He explained that the document formalises the efforts made by his department with RISC and the many trade bodies that they represent over the last year to strengthen mutual support for the sector. "We will be setting out our plans for this in more detail in the forthcoming Security Export Strategy."

"The Security sector is one of the most adaptable and responsive industries in our country: rising again and again to the challenges posed to our safety and security.

And it needs to be, given the ever-evolving nature of the security challenges we face: whether it be cyber security solutions to protect our data, innovative ways to manage crowded places, or in preventing disruption at large transport hubs.

The mission of my department - to build a future for the UK’s international trade that supports our prosperity, secures our stability and guarantees our security - is a vital one and it is complemented by the efforts of everyone in this room." Concluded the Rt Hon Liam Fox MP.