UK ‘Ignoring’ Bio Threat From Beijing, Senior Tory Says

Senior Tory Warns UK of Bio Threat from Beijing Despite Being Ignored

April 6, 2024 TruthUSA

Both former Conservative Party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and Labour MP Fabian Hamilton have sounded the alarm about the potential risks of the UK’s genomics data.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith emphasized the threat posed by China to Britain’s biosecurity, stating that the UK is “ignoring” this danger. He urged the government to safeguard Britons’ genomics data from Chinese scientists, warning that they could use it for developing targeted bioweapons.

These concerns were raised following calls from U.S. lawmakers for the Biden administration to include seven Chinese biotech firms on a Pentagon list of “Chinese military companies.” In its 2021 final report on AI security, the U.S. National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence highlighted the potential collection of genetic data by the Chinese genomics giant BGI for the Chinese government.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden mentioned in September 2023 that the government was considering designating the genomics sector as critical national infrastructure, but no further updates have been provided since then.

In an article for The Telegraph, Sir Iain referred to the threat posed by China to genetic data as the “most sinister threat yet.”

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Sir Iain expressed concerns about the increasing vulnerability of people in the UK due to the convergence of advanced biotechnology and AI in China. He highlighted the dual-use potential of genomics, warning about the creation of bioweapons and pathogens alongside legitimate medical advancements.

He pointed out instances where the CCP had utilized genomic data for profiling ethnic minorities and performance modifications on human embryos.

BGI, a Chinese genomics giant that developed NIFTY prenatal tests sold worldwide, was reported to collaborate with the Chinese military. The company has been accused of analyzing genetic traits of ethnic minorities, triggering sanctions from the U.S.

The UK has also introduced legislation to restrict products and services from biotech companies linked to foreign adversaries in U.S. supply chains, a move Sir Iain commended while criticizing the UK’s response to the threat from BGI and MGI.

Labour’s Fabian Hamilton echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding UK genomic data from global rivals. He praised his party’s life sciences strategy but urged for greater awareness of the risks posed by state and non-state actors to the UK’s life sciences sector.

Mr. Hamilton criticized the government for not adequately addressing these security challenges, warning of serious implications for national security.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson highlighted ongoing investments in cyber resilience, emphasizing the commitment to patient data protection and cybersecurity.

Contributions by Frank Fang and PA Media

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