Written question asked by Catherine West (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 March 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 March 2023 (named day). It was answered by Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Conservative) on Friday, 17 March 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

BGI Group: National Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) five eyes counterparts on the activities of BGI Group; and if the Government will make an assessment of the potential benefits of an investigation of that company.

Answer: We continually monitor threats to our data and will not hesitate to take action if necessary to protect our national security. We expect all firms to fully comply with UK privacy laws. Businesses which do not may be investigated and subject to enforcement action. We have also strengthened measures to prevent the transfer of assets or technology that could pose national security risks. This includes upgrading our export control regime and Military End Use Control and introducing the National Security and Investment Act.

Secondary information