UK found ‘dangerously exposed’ to China’s critical minerals dominance, MPs warn

Summary

A parliamentary investigation by the business select committee has found that the UK is ‘dangerously’ dependent on China for critical raw materials needed for the military, renewable energy infrastructure and AI. Committee chair Liam Byrne said failure to diversify supplies continues to pose significant risks to Britain’s future security. The MPs warned that delivering net zero is also at risk. They called for an urgent centralised policy and a ‘critical minerals finance facility’ to fund rare earth and other critical mineral mines, using grants, equity and debt to accelerate a diversification programme.

Timeline

1. Financial Times

   5 Nov 2026, 00:01 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that MPs warn the UK is ‘dangerously exposed’ to China’s critical minerals dominance, with committee chair Liam Byrne saying failure to diversify supplies continues to pose significant risks to Britain’s future security.

2. The Guardian

   5 Nov 2026, 05:00 UTCSource ↗

   Reports that a parliamentary investigation found the UK is ‘dangerously’ reliant on China for critical raw materials needed for defence, renewable energy and AI, and that MPs on the business select committee want a centralised policy and a critical minerals finance facility to fund mines and diversification.