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Genomics and National Security

08 March 2023

Lead MP

Alistair Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland
Lib Dem

Responding Minister

George Freeman

Tags

NHSForeign AffairsScience & Technology
Word Count: 4396
Other Contributors: 2

At a Glance

Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about genomics and national security in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Carmichael urged the government to bring genomics under the definition of critical national infrastructure, scrutinize Chinese genomics firms involved in UK health and research sectors more rigorously, and ensure no trade-offs between research success and adherence to democratic values and human rights standards.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Orkney and Shetland
Opened the debate
Carmichael highlighted the rapid advancements in genomics, including non-invasive prenatal genetic testing and DNA-based forensics. He warned about risks such as global health inequalities, human rights curtailment, and bioweapons threats from repressive regimes like China. Carmichael cited examples of BGI Group's involvement with Uyghur repression and questioned the adequacy of current regulation to protect national security and data privacy.

Government Response

George Freeman
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Davies. I thank the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland for bringing this important issue to the House. I reassure him that we take this issue very seriously. The UK's leadership in genomics extends from human genomics to animal and plant genomics, with initiatives like Genomics England (GEL) and the NHS genomic medicine service transforming drug discovery, diagnosis, and patient access to treatments. We have set out a £175 million genetic healthcare strategy for life-saving programmes around cancer and rare diseases and refreshed our biological security strategy to address biosecurity in an interconnected world. I have put research security at the heart of international collaborations, setting up RCAT—a specialist advisory group connected to intelligence agencies—to check quickly whether partners are benign, hostile or dangerous before signing agreements. We will continue to manage risks properly and ensure that we defend not only the values of good and open science but our own economic security.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.