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Updates to the National Security and Investment Act 20221 - Notifiable Acquisition Regulations

12 March 2026

Proposing MP
Darren Jones Lab
Bristol North West
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Cabinet Office
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses updates to the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (Notifiable Acquisition) Regulations following a 12-week consultation.

Action Requested

The Government will make further drafting changes to reduce low-risk notifications, clarify scope and definitions, finalise the Water schedule, keep the Advanced Materials and Synthetic Biology schedules broadly as they are, and provide updated guidance for the majority of the schedules consulted on. Secondary legislation to update the NARs will be laid in due course.

Key Facts

  • The consultation on the NARs was launched on 22 July 2025.
  • The consultation closed on 14 October 2025.
  • Respondents supported the creation of standalone Semiconductors and Critical Minerals schedules and the addition of Water as a new area.
  • The Government will make further drafting changes to reduce capturing low-risk notifications in the Critical Minerals, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence and Communications schedules.
  • Minor amendments will be made to clarify scope and definitions in the Critical Suppliers to Government, Data Infrastructure, Energy and Suppliers to the Emergency Services schedules.
  • The Water schedule will be finalised.
  • The Advanced Materials and Synthetic Biology schedules will remain broadly unchanged.
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