Britain may designate genomics sector as critical infrastructure, says deputy PM
- Oliver Dowden raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions on Monday, amid pressure from MPs concerned at China’s activity in the field
- A 2021 investigation found that China’s BGI Group had developed prenatal tests to collect genetic data from women for research on population traits
Britain is exploring designating its genomics sector as critical national infrastructure, deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden said on Monday, amid pressure from lawmakers concerned at China’s activity in the field.
Genomics is the study of the genome – the complete set of DNA contained within a single cell.
A Reuters investigation in 2021 found that China’s BGI Group had developed 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.
BGI says it has never shared data for national security purposes and has never been asked to.
Earlier this year, UK lawmakers wrote to the country’s data regulator asking it to investigate BGI, citing the Reuters investigation, while campaigners have also written to the government to ask for an inquiry into its links with British universities.
Asked by one of those lawmakers if Britain would designate the genomics sector as critical national infrastructure, Dowden said it was a legitimate point which he was considering.