B

Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 15 September 2026

Debate

UK Water Companies: Chinese Financial Influence

Contribution

The Government take all security threats extremely seriously. I am sure the noble Lord will be pleased to hear that the water industry will be included in the National Security and Investment Act’s mandatory notification scheme. That will require water companies and certain infrastructure delivery providers to notify government of certain proposed acquisitions. These notifications from companies will ensure that government can undertake a robust assessment of any national security risks. It will operate alongside powers that allow government to call in certain acquisitions. If necessary, we can then intervene with various remedies. These could include legally binding conditions or, in rare cases, blocking or unwinding a transaction.

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