Genomics sector could become critical national infrastructure in UK

The UK Government has signalled that it is considering designating the genomics sector as a 'critical national infrastructure', following months of pressure from lawmakers concerned at China's activity in this field.

Earlier this year, UK lawmakers wrote to the country's data regulator asking for an investigation into the Chinese genome sequencing company BGI Group, and in particular its NIFTY prenatal tests (see BioNews 1192). This followed a 2021 Reuters investigation that reported China's BGI Group had developed the prenatal tests in collaboration with the Chinese military, and used them to collect genetic data from women around the world for research on the traits of populations (see BioNews 1112 and 1103). Campaigners have also written to the Government urging them to explore the group's link with British universities.

Now, speaking to Parliament, deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden has commented he's considering designating genomics as part of the UK's critical national infrastructure. 'It's not currently designated as such, but in my role in the cabinet office, I keep the register of critical national infrastructure under review, and it's something which I am exploring,' he said.

Critical national infrastructure delivers services essential to our daily lives, which, if compromised, could have a major detrimental impact on essential services or a significant impact on national security. As such, a critical national infrastructure designation can see greater scrutiny of how contracts and research are handled in a sector.

There are currently 13 sectors on the UK's list of national infrastructure including chemicals, civil nuclear, communications, defence, emergency services, energy, finance, food, government, health, space, transport, and water.

Dowden's comments came amid wider concern surrounding China's activities, and following the confirmation that two men had been arrested in March 2023 under the Official Secrets Act over allegations of espionage-related offences – including a parliamentary researcher accused of spying for China.

Speaking to MPs, Dowden added there's a 'strong case to be made' to include China in an enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme, as permitted in the new 2023 National Security Act.

BGI Group has previously denied it had provided NIFTY data to Chinese authorities for national security or national defence security purposes. A final decision about the critical national infrastructure designation is yet to be made.