VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Electricity: Foreign Companies

Asked by Andrew BowieConservativeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 23 July 2025UIN 67938

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of prohibitions under the Electricity Act 1989 of the use of high-risk foreign vendors in licensed electricity infrastructure on energy security.

Answered by Michael Shanks

As an open economy the UK welcomes foreign trade and investment where it supports growth, meets our regulatory requirements, and does not compromise our national security. The protection and security of the energy sector is a priority of this Government.

As well as the Electricity Act 1989, we have a range of effective measures in place which give the Government powers to balance an open investment environment to facilitate growth with protecting the parts of our economy that are the most sensitive to national security.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim