House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Public Procurement: Protecting National Security and Strengthening Economic Resilience
22 June 2026 · Cabinet Office
Proposed by Chris Ward Lab Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The HM Treasury is updating guidance for Accounting Officers to balance value for money with strategic alignment and long-term resilience.
- The Government has appointed Sector Leads across four critical departments to coordinate commercial pipelines.
- The focus sectors for the new policy guidance are steel, shipbuilding, AI, and energy infrastructure.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the publication of new policy guidance aimed at protecting UK national security through public procurement in key sectors.
Action requested
HM Treasury is updating guidance for Accounting Officers to balance value for money with strategic alignment, long-term resilience, and risk. The Government has appointed Sector Leads across four critical departments to coordinate commercial pipelines and intercept vulnerabilities in steel, shipbuilding, AI, and energy infrastructure.
Key facts
- New policy guidance targets steel, shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and energy infrastructure.
- HM Treasury is updating guidance for Accounting Officers.
- Departmental Sector Leads are appointed across four critical departments.
- The Procurement Act 2023 national security exemption is to be used appropriately.