Committee publication · Correspondence · 24 March 2026

Letter from the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister relating to the Government response to consultation on National Security and Investment Act regulations, 12 March 2026

From: Business and Trade Sub-Committee on Economic Security, Arms and Export Controls

Summary

The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister announces the Government's response to a 12-week consultation on National Security and Investment Act 2021 regulations. The Government will refine definitions in Critical Minerals, Semiconductors, AI and Communications schedules; clarify scope in five others; finalise Water provisions; and issue enhanced guidance. Changes aim to reduce low-risk notifications while capturing emerging security threats.

Key findings

Consultation respondents largely supported creation of standalone Semiconductors and Critical Minerals schedules and addition of Water as a new notifiable area
Stakeholders identified AI and Critical Minerals definitions as too broad or technically complex; widespread demand for clearer guidance across all schedules
Government will make further drafting changes to four schedules (Critical Minerals, Semiconductors, AI, Communications) to reduce capturing low-risk notifications
Advanced Materials and Synthetic Biology schedules will remain substantially unchanged to ensure emerging technologies are captured
Updated impact estimates incorporating consultation feedback will accompany secondary legislation later in 2026

Tone

Procedural

Topics

national-securityinvestment-regulationcritical-infrastructureeconomic-growth

Key actors

Darren Jones MP, Liam Byrne MP, Pat McFadden MP, Business and Trade Committee, Cabinet Office

Notable line

“These reforms will ensure that the NARs continue to capture emerging national security risks proportionately while getting out of the way of secure investment, unlocking economic growth across the UK.”

Key Quotes

“Overall, respondents largely supported the proposed changes, including the creation of standalone Semiconductors and Critical Minerals schedules”
— Darren Jones MP · summarising consultation feedback on regulatory updates

“Many stakeholders suggested that some definitions, such as Artificial Intelligence (mentioned in your letter) and Critical Minerals, remained too broad or technically complex.”
— Darren Jones MP · identifying key concerns raised during consultation

“I remain committed to ensuring that impacts on businesses are kept to a minimum.”
— Darren Jones MP · concluding statement on regulatory approach

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Source · parliament.uk record ↗