Britain faces 'nightmare scenario' of China controlling its nuclear power stations, universities and technology, warn MPs
- Report said China exploited 'inadequate' steps to prevent it penetrating sectors
Britain faces a 'nightmare scenario' of China controlling our nuclear power stations, universities and technology sector, MPs have warned.
The all-party intelligence and security committee (ISC) accused the Government of responding at a 'glacial pace' to the issues in a damning report issued yesterday.
It said China had exploited the 'completely inadequate' steps to prevent Beijing penetrating every sector of the UK's economy. An apparent disregard for the security implications has allowed it to exert 'control over the UK's critical national infrastructure'.
The report, compiled with the assistance of MI5 and MI6, suggested that a desperation to acquire Chinese investment had led to security concerns being dismissed.
Its authors warned: 'Without swift action, we are on a trajectory for the nightmare scenario where China steals blueprints, sets standards and builds products, exerting political and economic influence at every step. This has the potential to pose an existential threat to democratic systems.'
The report said China had exploited the 'completely inadequate' steps to prevent Beijing penetrating every sector of the UK's economy (Stock Photo)
They added: 'China has been seeking to control or influence the UK's industry and energy sectors. Chinese money was readily accepted with few questions asked.
'It is unacceptable for the Government to still be considering Chinese involvement in critical national infrastructure.'
In 2021, it was reported China owns £143billion in UK assets, from nuclear power to schools.
Nearly 200 UK companies are controlled by groups or individuals based in China or count them as minority shareholders.
Chinese investors were said to own nearly £57billion of shares in the UK's biggest listed companies. China also had more than £1billion in investments in UK-based pharmaceutical and energy companies.
China has also offered financial incentives to British academics to promote their causes while sending 120,000 students to study at UK universities.
Rishi Sunak claimed yesterday that the Government had already strengthened its position on China 'considerably'.
The Prime Minister released a three-page statement listing measures taken to improve the UK's response. But Julian Lewis, the Conservative chairman of the nine-member ISC, dismissed the PM's claims as 'rather defensive'.
