Viscount Camrose (Con)

My Lords, I move Amendment 73 standing in my name which would require the Secretary of State to undertake a risk assessment on the data privacy risks associated with genomics and DNA companies that are headquartered in countries which the Government determine to be systemic competitors and hostile actors. The UK is a world leader in genomics research, and this a growing sector that makes an important contribution. The opportunities in genomics are enormous and we should take the steps needed to protect the UK’s leading role here. I was pleased to hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Jones of Whitchurch, in Committee that: “the Government have continued the important work of the UK Biological Security Strategy of 2023, including by conducting a full risk assessment and providing updated guidance to reduce the risks from the misuse of sensitive data”. The Minister also gave the undertaking that the Government would “brief the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy on the findings of the risk assessment in the new year”.—[Official Report, 18/12/24; col. GC 124.] I would be very grateful if the Minister could confirm whether the Joint Committee has been briefed and, if not, when that will happen. I look forward to continuing to engage with Ministers on the issue of data security in the face of growing threats from international competitors and hostile actors.