Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the consultation process and timeline for renewal of the National Procurement Policy Statement, and which Department will be responsible for leading this.

The National Security Unit for Procurement, based in the Cabinet Office, will investigate suppliers who may pose a risk to national security and assess whether companies should be barred from public procurements. The Unit was announced as part of stepped up measures to protect national security in government contracts and will be operational in time for commencement of the Procurement Act in autumn 2024, when debarment and exclusion powers come into effect.

The Cabinet Office will also lead on the new National Procurement Policy Statement (NPPS). Before laying the NPPS in Parliament a Minister of the Crown must carry out such consultation as the Minister considers appropriate and make any necessary changes as a result of it. Further details will be announced in the coming months.