Alan Turing institute launches new mission to protect UK from cyber-attacks

Programme is designed to defend energy, transport and utilities amid concern over vulnerability to internet outages

Britain's leading AI institute has announced a new mission to help protect the nation from cyber-attacks on infrastructure, including energy, transport and utilities, after it was embroiled in allegations of toxic work culture and the chief executive resigned amid ministerial pressure.

The Alan Turing Institute will carry out a programme of science and innovation designed to protect the UK from hostile threats", it announced on Tuesday as part of changes following the resignation last month of Jean Innes, its chief executive, after a staff revolt and government calls for a strategic overhaul of the state-funded body.