To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to
the Answer of 26 February 2024 to Question 14260 on Genomics: China, whether the programme
of work to assess risks from biological data will include a review of (a) BGI Group,
(b) MGI Tech and (c) other companies linked to the Chinese state.
<p>Through the delivery of our Biological Security Strategy, the Government is committed
ensuring the UK is resilient to a spectrum of biological threats, as well as being
a world leader in innovation. As part of this Strategy, the Government is undertaking
a programme of work to assess how we can minimise the risks from biological data to
protect our burgeoning bioeconomy and build confidence in sharing personal data to
improve health outcomes in the UK and across the world. This review covers the extent
to which the UK shares data with certain companies.</p><p>Currently, organisations
which hold sensitive biological data are subject to the UK General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR). In addition, organisations such as Genomics England, UK Biobank
and NIHR BioResource actively consider national security in decision making about
partnerships with companies overseas. These organisations consult with security personnel
on a regular basis to ensure partnerships are aligned with our national security interests.</p>
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference
to the oral contribution of the Minister of State, Department for Science, Innovation
and Technology, during the debate on Genomics and national security of 8 March 2023,
Official Report column 120WH, what steps she is taking to investigate the national
security risks associated with (i) BGI Group and (ii) MGI Tech.
<p>Organisations which hold sensitive biological data are subject to the UK General
Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In addition, organisations such as Genomics England,
UK Biobank and NIHR BioResource actively consider national security in decision making
about partnerships with companies overseas.</p><p>As part of the new UK Biological
Security Strategy, the Government is undertaking a programme of work to assess how
we can minimise the risks from biological data to protect our burgeoning bioeconomy,
without stifling innovation, and build confidence in sharing personal data to improve
health outcomes in the UK and across the world. The Office for Life Sciences has begun
this work, in consultation with relevant Departments and Agencies across Government,
and key partners such as Genomics England and UK Biobank.</p>