Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 241–260 of 386 · this parliament
What discussions he has had with ScottishPower on the potential use of the site of the former Longannet power station for energy production.
Details of Ministers' and Permanent Secretaries' meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.
Whether her Department is aware of Chinese components in (a) banks, (b) payment terminals and (c) other economic infrastructure classified as critically important to national interests; and if she will conduct an audit of Chinese-made components in critical national infrastructure.
We expect firms in the finance sector, including banks, payment terminal providers and financial market infrastructures (FMIs), to manage their procurement and supply chains in an appropriate manner. The finance sector’s regulators – Bank of England, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) – also provide guidance to firms on managing supply chain risks. We will continue to cooperate with China on trade and investment, although recognise that there will be some areas where we need to protect sensitive sectors of the economy.Government will continue to use the full suite of our economic security tools, including the National Security and Investment Act, to protect against threats to our national security.The National Technical Authorities provide advice to owners and operators of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) in industry on best practice for CNI security and resilience.
If he will conduct an audit of energy Critical National infrastructure to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
As an open economy the UK welcomes foreign trade and investment where it supports growth, meets our regulatory requirements, and does not compromise our national security. This Government will take a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing relations with China. We will co-operate where we can, compete where we have different interests, and challenge where we must. Large market shares can extend across the supply chain; alongside efforts to de-risk our supply chains, we will therefore also continue to work with our international partners to manage the continued implications of overreliance on any one actor.
If he will conduct an audit of health infrastructure classified as critically important to national interests to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The United Kingdom will not compromise on economic security and will continue to prioritise national security and resilience. We will continue to cooperate with China on trade and investment, recognising that there will also be areas where we need to challenge non-market policies and protect sensitive sectors of the economy. We will continue to support UK business to engage with the second largest economy in the world, while being clear-eyed to any risks, and ensuring security and resilience. The national technical authorities, namely the National Protective Security Authority and the National Cyber Security Centre, provide advice to critical national infrastructure, including in the health sector, on best practice for security and resilience. The Department does not comment on specific policy matters related to its critical national infrastructure.
Innovation and Technology, if he will conduct an audit of technology infrastructure classified as critically important to national interests to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The Prime Minister has emphasised that national security is the first duty of our government. Supply chain resilience and security remains a core part of this, and multiple government departments are working closely with international partners to embed resilience into critical UK and global supply chains. The Procurement Act and National Security and Investment Act are particularly important aspects of our toolkit for safeguarding critically important technology infrastructure.The Government is carrying out a full and comprehensive audit on the breadth of the UK’s relationship with China, which will bring a consistent, long-term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relations with China, rooted in UK and global interests, so we can will co-operate where we can, compete where we need to, and challenge where we must.
If he will conduct an audit of defence Critical National infrastructure to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability, including defence Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). We utilise the full suite of economic and security tools to manage national security risks to our assets, including the National Security and Investment Act and advice from the National Technical Authorities (NCSC and NPSA) on best practice for CNI security and resilience.
If she will conduct an audit of (a) prisons and (b) other justice-system jnfrastructure classified as critically important to national interests to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The UK will not compromise on economic security and will continue to prioritise national security and resilience. We will continue to cooperate with China on trade and investment, recognising there will also be areas where we need to challenge non-market policies and protect sensitive sectors of the economy. We will continue to support UK business to engage with the second largest economy in the world, while being clear-eyed to any risks and ensuring security and resilience. The National Technical Authorities (NCSC and NPSA) provide advice to CNI industry on best practice for CNI security and resilience. HMPPS follows all relevant CNI guidance.
If she will conduct an audit of transport infrastructure identified as critically important to national interests to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The Government takes the security and resilience of our critical infrastructure extremely seriously. We balance this with ongoing cooperation with China on trade and investment, supporting UK businesses to engage with the world’s second largest economy while being clear-eyed about any risks. We work with the National Cyber Security Centre, National Protective Security Authority and across government to advise owners and operators of critical national infrastructure on supply chains and the risks posed by components manufactured overseas. We may also consider powers afforded by the Procurement Act 2023, which allow the Government to exclude and debar any company from public procurement on grounds of national security if required. We continue to actively monitor for any threats and, where risks are identified, will not hesitate to take action, with policy options kept under review.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will conduct an audit of environmental infrastructure classified as critically important to national interests to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.
The UK will not compromise on economic security and will continue to prioritise national security and resilience. We will continue to cooperate with China on trade and investment, recognising there will also be areas where we need to challenge non-market policies and protect sensitive sectors of the economy. We will continue to support UK business to engage with the second largest economy in the world, while being clear-eyed to any risks and ensuring security and resilience. The National Technical Authorities (National Cyber Security Centre and National Protective Security Authority) provide advice to critical national infrastructure (CNI) industry on best practice for CNI security and resilience. Defra does not comment publicly on specific matters related to its CNI.
When he last met with Scottish Power to discuss the future of the former generating station at Longannet.
I am in contact with Scottish Power on a range of issues relating to the UK’s transition to Net Zero. I last met with them in March, at a stakeholder forum hosted by my department, where the topic of clean energy jobs was discussed. The representative from Scottish Power did not raise the future of the former generating station at Longannet but my door is always open to the energy sector in Scotland.
Whether he plans to permanently station UK forces to defend the High North.
The Strategic Defence Review will set the strategic direction for Defence for the next decade. The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture in the in the region and will defend and support our Allies should the need arise. The UK will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threaten our interests and that of our Allies. The UK, as the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), provides a platform for engagement with Allied Arctic states, to build consensus on security issues, and counter Russian influence. The deployment of the Littoral Strike Group, Joint Aviation Assets, Carrier Strike capability and routine Maritime patrols in the region, as well as our regular cold weather training exercises in Norway, underlines the UK’s commitment to security in the High North.
Which UK assets are deployed to support allies defending the High North.
The Strategic Defence Review will set the strategic direction for Defence for the next decade. The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture in the region and will defend and support our Allies should the need arise. The UK will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threaten our interests and that of our Allies. The UK, as the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), provides a platform for engagement with Allied Arctic states, to build consensus on security issues, and counter Russian influence. The deployment of the Littoral Strike Group, Joint Aviation Assets, Carrier Strike capability and routine Maritime patrols in the region, as well as our regular cold weather training exercises in Norway, underlines the UK’s commitment to security in the High North.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Turkish counterpart on (a) political unrest and (b) the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu.
As a close friend and ally of Turkey, the Government is closely monitoring the situation following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu and protests. Ekrem Imamoğlu is subject to an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process. The UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including through ensuring a swift and transparent judicial process. The Government has been engaging with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 29 March and raised our expectation that Turkey upholds its international commitments and the rule of law, and that it protects the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom. I have also raised these matters with counterparts. The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world and will always support these fundamental rights.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the participation of UK forces in Exercise Joint Viking.
Exercise Joint Viking was an effective demonstration of the Commando Force and all of its constituent personnel. The exercise met its aims as force elements successfully conducted invaluable amphibious training, utilising new equipment in environmentally relevant climatic conditions. This exercise positively rehearsed existing crisis response options alongside the Norwegians and other NATO allies.
What representations he has received from the German Government on the sale of Eurofighter Typhoons to Turkey.
We hold regular discussions with Germany on a range of issues related to equipment and joint programmes. The UK is supportive of the prospective sale of Eurofighter Typhoon to Turkey, as its next fighter platform. We continue to discuss our ongoing bid for Turkey to procure Typhoon with the other Eurofighter Partner Nations, including Germany.
What Royal Navy surface ships have shadowed suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has conducted investigations into the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu.
As a close friend and ally of Turkey, the Government is closely monitoring the situation following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu and protests. Ekrem Imamoğlu is subject to an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process. The UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including through ensuring a swift and transparent judicial process. The Government has been engaging with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 29 March and raised our expectation that Turkey upholds its international commitments and the rule of law, and that it protects the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom. I have also raised these matters with counterparts. The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world and will always support these fundamental rights.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to his Turkish counterpart on the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu.
As a close friend and ally of Turkey, the Government is closely monitoring the situation following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu and protests. Ekrem Imamoğlu is subject to an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process. The UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including through ensuring a swift and transparent judicial process. The Government has been engaging with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 29 March and raised our expectation that Turkey upholds its international commitments and the rule of law, and that it protects the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom. I have also raised these matters with counterparts. The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world and will always support these fundamental rights.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, when he last met the Turkish ambassador to the UK; and what he discussed.
As a close friend and ally of Turkey, the Government is closely monitoring the situation following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu and protests. Ekrem Imamoğlu is subject to an ongoing domestic Turkish legal process. The UK expects Turkey to uphold its international commitments and the rule of law, including through ensuring a swift and transparent judicial process. The Government has been engaging with the Turkish Government and the Foreign Secretary spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on 29 March and raised our expectation that Turkey upholds its international commitments and the rule of law, and that it protects the fundamental rights to free speech, peaceful assembly, and media freedom. I have also raised these matters with counterparts. The UK is a staunch supporter of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the world and will always support these fundamental rights.
How many hours Royal Navy ships have spent shadowing suspected Russian spy ships (a) in and (b) near UK territorial waters in each of the last five years.
The Royal Navy continuously monitors UK waters and are ready to respond to the presence of Russian vessels. Specific detail cannot be confirmed for reasons of safeguarding national security.