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Written question asked by Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party) on Monday, 13 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 November 2023 (named day). It was answered by Alex Burghart (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 November 2023 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Economic Situation and National Security: China

Question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament report entitled China, published on 13 July 2023, what recent steps his Department has taken to protect (a) the economy and (b) national security from Chinese interference.

Answer

The government’s approach to China is guided by three pillars: strengthening our national security protections, aligning and cooperating with our partners, and engaging where it is consistent with our interest. Recent steps to strengthen our national security protections include: scrutiny of foreign investment in the UK under the National Security and Investment Act and passing the National Security Act, which overhauls the United Kingdom’s espionage laws.

The government greatly values the independent oversight provided by the Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC). The Cabinet Office regularly engages with the Committee to support their oversight, including on China, and to provide updates on our response to policy recommendations found in a wide range of ISC reports.

The steps the government has taken to implement recommendations in the China report can be found in the Government Response to the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament Report ‘China’: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-response-to-the-isc-china-report

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
1624
Session
2023-24
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
China Economic situation Intelligence and Security Committee National security
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk