The government recently published the National Security & Investment Bill. In a marked contrast to its 'Global Britain' aspirations in a post-Brexit world, the bill will create a mandatory screening regime for investment in certain core areas of the UK economy in which national security risks are considered more likely to arise. This article considers the key implications of the proposed new regime for investment in the United Kingdom.

In his last days in office, President Trump has taken a swipe against companies identified by the Department of Defence as Communist Chinese military companies by prohibiting US persons from investing in such companies. According to the applicable executive order, the national security concerns stem from China exploiting US investors to finance the development and modernisation of its military through its military-civil fusion policy.