Source · Select Committees · Defence Committee
Recommendation 20
20
Accepted
Paragraph: 110
Ending China’s involvement in the UK’s critical infrastructure would be a radical step with huge...
Recommendation
Ending China’s involvement in the UK’s critical infrastructure would be a radical step with huge implications for the UK’s economy. If threats by the Chinese state to withdraw from the UK’s critical industries continue and worsen, the Government should carefully consider China’s future presence in critical sectors of the economy. The Government should make provision in its proposed National Security and Investment Bill to give it the power to intervene and stop investments in critical industries should threats or risks be present.
Government response summary AI-generated
The government affirms its commitment to protect national security, stating that all critical infrastructure investments are thoroughly scrutinised, and confirms the new National Security and Investment Bill will provide important additional powers to intervene against risks.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
110
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government · verbatim extract
Accepted
The UK wants a mature, positive relationship with China, based on mutual respect and trust. There is considerable scope for constructive engagement and cooperation. But as we strive for that positive relationship, we will not sacrifice either our values or our security. All investment involving critical infrastructure, including nuclear, is subject to thorough scrutiny and needs to satisfy our robust legal, regulatory and national security requirements. The new regime introduced under the National Security Investment Bill will be an important addition to existing tools.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗