Government making up China policy as it goes, say MPs
Business Committee MPs criticize the UK government for inconsistent China policies, warning that ad-hoc decision-making raises national security risks.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Business Committee MPs state the UK government lacks a consistent approach toward China.
- The report warns that ad-hoc decision-making increases national security risks and harms businesses.
- Lawmakers urge bans on sensitive data transfers, forced labor imports, and clear trade rules.
- Committee chair Liam Byrne stresses Britain must shape its own relations or risk others doing it.
The UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to pursue a consistent approach toward China and is instead making up policy on the fly, according to members of Parliament on the Business Committee. In its newly published report, the committee stated that decision-making has been characterized by severe inconsistency and is actively heightening national security risks.
The parliamentary committee called on government ministers to block the transfer of sensitive data to China, provide businesses with clear guidelines for conducting trade with the superpower, and implement a ban on all imports produced using forced labor.
Former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously sought to forge a closer relationship with China, arguing that the UK could not afford to ignore economic opportunities while insisting that national security must not be compromised. However, these efforts to build closer ties drew sharp criticism from various MPs who remained deeply concerned about alleged Chinese spying activities operating within the UK.
The Business Committee's intervention highlights the ongoing tension in British politics between capitalizing on global economic ties and safeguarding national critical infrastructure. The failure to fully publish last year's bilateral audit has fueled perceptions of a reactive rather than proactive foreign policy, leaving parliamentarians to demand stricter guardrails on sensitive technology and research partnerships.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
An audit evaluating the relationship between the two nations was carried out last year, but the government has thus far failed to publish the document in full, citing the inclusion of classified information. Meanwhile, Sir Keir's successor Andy Burnham has yet to formally outline his definitive stance regarding future relations with Beijing.
MPs warned that the unpredictability of the government's approach and the glaring lack of clear guidance have severely hindered the ability of British businesses to trade with China. The committee recommended that the government insist on fair trade practices and advised preparing targeted tariffs that could be imposed if Beijing continues to heavily subsidize its domestic industries or fails to provide fully reciprocal market access.
Regarding the protection of sensitive technology and data, the report explicitly recommended a total ban on connected technology devices being utilized within critical national infrastructure. Additionally, universities should be provided with faster advice when conducting collaborative research alongside Chinese institutions.
"Britain's businesses cannot plan for the future when the government keeps making up its China policy as it goes along. Ministers promised clarity and consistency. Instead, we have opportunities missed, risks unmanaged and decisions left until the eleventh hour."
Liam Byrne, Committee Chair and Labour MP
Source: BBC Politics
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