Committee publication · Correspondence · 30 June 2026
Letter to the Cabinet Office relating to the Government's position on Ming Yang, 22 June 2026
From: Business and Trade Committee
Inquiry: China and the UK economy
Summary
The Business and Trade Committee writes to the Cabinet Office seeking clarification on the Government's March 2026 decision to block Ming Yang Smart Energy Group's investment at Ardersier Port, Scotland. The committee questions the legal basis for the intervention, whether it was formally exercised under the National Security and Investment Act, and why the committee received no notification despite its scrutiny role.
Key findings
- On 25 March 2026, the Government stated it could not support Ming Yang turbines in UK offshore wind projects citing national security; a Written Ministerial Statement followed the next day but made no reference to the NSIA or legal grounds.
- Legal uncertainty exists: law firm Akin noted a 'lack of clarity regarding the precise legal grounds for seeking to block Ming Yang's investment'.
- The committee was not formally notified of the decision despite its statutory role scrutinising the National Security and Investment Act.
- The committee seeks answers on whether the Government exercised a formal legal power, which minister decided, which departments were involved, and whether it is temporary or indefinite.
- The committee requests clarity on compliance with competition and procurement law, and information on similar orders issued since NSIA came into force in January 2022.
Tone
AdversarialTopics
Key actors
Business and Trade Committee, Darren Jones MP, Cabinet Office, Ming Yang Smart Energy Group, Liam Byrne MP, Energy Minister, Investment Security Unit, Scottish Government
Notable line
“… we cannot support the use of them in UK offshore wind projects. We have informed offshore wind developers of this.”
Key Quotes
“… we cannot support the use of them [Ming Yang Smart Energy turbines] in UK offshore wind projects " and that "w e will always act to protect our national security ".”
“After careful consideration, the Government's view is that we cannot support the use of them in UK offshore wind projects.”
“… lack of clarity regarding the precise legal grounds for seeking to block Ming Yang's investment”
“Predictability in when and how the Government might intervene in investment transactions is important, ensuring that business has the confidence to invest.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗