Committee publication · Correspondence · 7 July 2026
Letter from the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster relating to the Government’s position on Ming Yang, 6 July 2026
From: Business and Trade Committee
Inquiry: China and the UK economy
Summary
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster responds to the Business and Trade Committee's June inquiry about the Government's position on Ming Yang Smart Energy turbines in UK offshore wind projects. The Government states it has not exercised legal powers to block Ming Yang but has advised developers against using their turbines on national security grounds following a 26 March Written Ministerial Statement, with no formal lifting conditions specified.
Key findings
- Offshore wind developers informally sought Government assurance on Ming Yang turbine use through regular Department for Energy Security and Net Zero engagements; no formal process was used.
- The Government has not legally blocked Ming Yang's investment but has communicated advice against using their turbines; no legal powers have been exercised under the National Security and Investment Act.
- The Government's position is non-binding advice to developers; turbine selection remains a commercial decision not regulated under the Procurement Act 2023, with companies responsible for compliance with competition law.
- Eight departments and agencies contributed to the decision (Cabinet Office, DBT, DESNZ, FCDO, HMT, Home Office, MoD, NCSC), though the Investment Security Unit was not involved and no decision was taken under NSIA.
- This is the first advice of this specific nature issued to offshore wind developers on national security grounds; a Written Ministerial Statement on 26 March informed Parliament rather than formal Committee notification.
Government position
The Government's position is non-binding advice rather than a formal legal block. It rejects the premise that a legally enforceable order was issued, stating instead that it has communicated its view to Parliament and developers that Ming Yang turbines cannot be supported in UK offshore wind projects on national security grounds. The Government accepts no plans exist to lift this position or specify conditions for reversal. It partially accepts accountability to Parliament via Written Ministerial Statement but declines formal Committee notification was necessary, emphasizing constructive working relationships.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Darren Jones (Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister), Liam Byrne MP (Chair, Business and Trade Committee), Minister Shanks, Ming Yang Smart Energy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Cabinet Office, Department for Business and Trade, Scottish Government
Notable line
“Government has not exercised any legal powers. However, there are a range of measures that give Government powers to protect the areas of our economy that are most sensitive to national security.”
Key Quotes
“This Government is committed to taking forward the actions needed to develop supply chains that are resilient, sustainable, innovative and secure.”
“… after careful consideration it is the Government's view that we cannot support the use of MingYang Smart Energy turbines in UK offshore wind projects.”
“Government has not exercised any legal powers. However, there are a range of measures that give Government powers to protect the areas of our economy that are most sensitive to national security.”
“Turbines for offshore wind projects are purchased by developers and the choice of supplier is a commercial decision. These decisions are not regulated under the Procurement Act”
“The Government has set out its view to offshore wind developers and to Parliament, through the Written Ministerial Statement of 26 March 2026, and has no plans to provide any further updates on this position.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗