Commenting on reports that the Government has decided to block Chinese company Ming Yang’s plans to build a factory in Scotland on national security grounds, Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Chair of the Business and Trade Committee said:
'I welcome this decision to block Ming Yang from the UK's energy system. Our Committee has consistently warned that in a more unstable world, where China has too often resorted to the tactics of economic coercion, we simply can’t surrender control of our energy supply chain in ways that create the risk of new and unwise dependencies.
'Our economic security reviews have warned time and time again that over-reliance on China in strategic sectors leaves Britain exposed to coercion, disruption and unfair competition. The Government is right to act. The test now is consistency - enforcing clear rules on Chinese investment, strengthening the sovereign capabilities we need at home and getting tougher on Chinese dumping of over-subsidised good that undermine British firms.
'The government now needs a much clearer more predictable framework for taking these decisions. That is exactly what our new inquiry on the UK-China economic relationship will set out. Above all it’s now vital the UK builds resilient, secure supply chains that support jobs, growth and national security.'
Source: UK Parliament
