Pat McFadden (Lab): To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the planned timeline is for implementing the National Security Unit for Procurement within his Department; and who will be responsible for leading that unit. (Asked 13 November 2023)

Alex Burghart (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office): The National Security Unit for Procurement, based in the Cabinet Office, will investigate suppliers who may pose a risk to national security and assess whether companies should be barred from public procurements. The Unit was announced as part of stepped up measures to protect national security in government contracts, and will be operational in time for commencement of the Procurement Act in Autumn 2024, when debarment and exclusion powers come into effect. (Answered 20 November 2023)