Leaked letter hints at ministers working to counter risk of Chinese interference in UK health data

Ministers are working to counter the risks of Chinese interference in health data, a leaked letter suggests.

Correspondence from Cabinet Office minister John Glen reveals the UK is conducting 'significant work related to national security' after concerns were raised about Chinese genomics company BGI and a spin-off firm.

Accusations the company had attempted to hack into the Genomics England database multiple times were raised in Parliament in March 2023, but were hastily withdrawn.

Genomics is the study of the human genome, and could be used to achieve quicker diagnosis and better treatments for a host of diseases. MPs have previously raised concerns about genomics giant BGI, as they believe it could be asked to hand over data to the Chinese state, although the company has strongly denied this.

During the pandemic, it won an £11 million contract with the NHS.

Conservative MP Henry Smith wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden in February. In a response letter, Mr Glen has said: 'I understand your concerns regarding this matter and would like to reassure you that significant work related to national security is being conducted to minimise the risks that you have highlighted in your letter.' The minister also said organisations like Genomics England 'actively consider national security in decision-making about partnerships with companies overseas'.

A spokesman for the Shenzhen-based BGI said: 'BGI Group has never been, and will never be, involved in 'hack attacks' against anyone.

'Our data standards globally include the British Standards Institution's BS10012, considered the gold standard in personal information protection, compliance with the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, and the ISO27001 standard on information security.'