Procurement Policy Note 025: Protecting the UK’s national security through public procurement

National security is about more than military defence. Building genuine resilience means ensuring that the UK's critical industries and supply chains can continue to operate during times of crisis. To achieve this, the Government must recognise that sectors such as steel production and shipbuilding are not simply commercial industries but strategic capabilities that are vital to protecting the nation's security.

It also requires a forward-looking approach to emerging areas of importance. Technologies such as artificial intelligence and essential energy infrastructure should be procured and developed with clear strategic objectives, strengthening the UK's resilience and reducing its exposure to global supply chain disruptions.

To support this objective, the Government has launched initiatives across four key sectors and appointed organisations to lead work in each area:

• Shipbuilding – National Shipbuilding Office, Ministry of Defence
• Steel – Department for Business and Trade
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Energy Infrastructure – Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

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