Barry Gardiner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for International Trade, Europe, Energy & Climate Change, responding to the Government’s belated efforts to resolve concerns over future Chinese investment, said:

“It is right that the Government take steps to address the burgeoning diplomatic fiasco resulting from their plans to delay proceeding with Hinckley Point. However, they have still failed to properly address what those future trade relations will look like and what steps they will be taking to ensure that any potential national security concerns are addressed early and appropriately so as not to jeopardise key future trade partners.

"Businesses, investors and diplomats alike respond to substance over form and it is critical that the government begin to demonstrate an understanding of the same.”