Context
Reports from Norway and Denmark suggest that Chinese-manufactured electric buses contain remote kill switch technology, raising concerns about the national security risks of importing energy infrastructure technologies from China.
Question
Given reports from Norway and Denmark that Chinese-manufactured electric buses contain remote kill switch technology, and that recent UK-China engagement appears to have delivered an embassy for the Chinese and little more than a Labubu for the United Kingdom, how can the Minister be confident that Chinese-made energy infrastructure does not pose similar national security risks? What steps is she taking to remove our reliance on Chinese-made infrastructure?
Answer from Katie White
That is slightly audacious, given that when we left government in 2010 we had, I think, three of the top solar companies in the world, but when we came back into office we had nothing—there was no supply chain. National security is this Government's No. 1 overriding priority. We are engaging constructively with every opportunity and all actors but at the same time making sure that every single decision takes into account our national security, which comes first above anything else.
Not addressed: The steps being taken to remove reliance on Chinese-made infrastructure were not specified.
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