Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of diplomatic networks supporting UK businesses in identifying and mitigating risks arising from foreign investment screening regimes.

We recognise that UK businesses face increasing geopolitical uncertainty, including in their investment strategies, when operating overseas. The UK respects the right of other countries to maintain investment screening mechanisms to protect their national security interests. Through our global diplomatic network, the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, and working with the Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade's overseas Trade Advisors and the Office for Investment, we provide businesses with country-specific insight on overseas regulatory and market environments, including, where relevant, investment screening regimes. Businesses can also access the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office 'Doing Business in' country guides on GOV.UK. In addition, the National Protective Security Authority's Secure Business and Secure Innovation campaigns provide guidance to help businesses identify, understand, and where necessary mitigate security risks associated with sensitive international commercial activity and partnerships. Together, these services support UK businesses in making informed commercial decisions when operating overseas.