# III – The risk to national security and sovereignty – By Gary Pickett
The relentless march of privatisation and the steady sell-off of British industries to foreign interests are no longer merely boardroom decisions—they’ve become national security and sovereignty threats. Britain has welcomed foreign investors with open arms, surrendering control of our critical industries under the pretence of “efficiency” and “growth.” What we’ve instead created is a formula for vulnerability. Telecommunications, energy, transport—even defence infrastructure—are falling into the hands of foreign boardrooms, and the risk to national security and sovereignty is leaving us exposed and powerless in times of crisis.
National Security at Risk
Wake up, Britain! When foreign companies control your energy grids, postal services, and telecom networks, you’re not merely outsourcing convenience; you’re outsourcing sovereignty. Take Huawei, the Chinese telecom giant, for example. Its involvement in constructing Britain’s 5G network raised alarms about espionage and cyberattacks, compelling the government to backtrack and remove Huawei’s equipment. Shouldn’t this fiasco have served as a lesson?
Other nations understand the situation and the risk to national security and sovereignty. Germany and France have adopted firm positions to prevent foreign interests from quickly entering and recognise their critical infrastructure. They recognise what is at stake that jeopardises their hand. Britain appears willing to endanger national security for immediate financial rewards.
Energy Under Foreign Control
Let’s discuss energy. In Britain, foreign companies control much of our energy sector, including nuclear power projects. We’ve even allowed Chinese firms to finance and build reactors at Hinkley Point and Sizewell. Consider that momentarily: the backbone of our energy security rests on companies from a country with competing interests. It’s absurd.
Meanwhile, France is a beacon of common sense, holding a majority stake in its national energy giant, EDF. Norway excels even further by managing its oil and gas resources through state-owned enterprises. The outcome? Energy security and economic independence. As for Britain’s approach? Open the floodgates and hope for the best.
The Fragility of the Supply Chain
What occurs when foreign-controlled networks are disrupted during a crisis? Hospitals, public transport, and defence operations come to a standstill. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed how perilous it is to depend on global supply chains. Imagine a future conflict interfering with energy supplies or telecommunications networks managed by foreign companies. It’s not merely a bad dream—it’s entirely feasible.
The United States doesn’t engage in these practices. Its Committee on Foreign Investment (CFIUS) examines and obstructs foreign takeovers of vital industries. In contrast, Britain allows foreign acquisitions without a moment’s hesitation.
Confidential Information in Danger
Privatisation has dismantled industries and compromised national secrets. When foreign companies manage Britain’s postal services, they deliver Christmas cards and handle sensitive government documents and private correspondence—imagine confidential letters from HMRC or the Ministry of Defence re-organised through foreign hands.
Other nations recognise the evident risks. Germany and Japan have kept their postal services under state control to protect private and sensitive data. Britain? We’ve privatised the Royal Mail and crossed our fingers.
The Secret Underground Railway
One of Britain’s hidden treasures is the secret Whitehall underground railway, designed to protect government operations during crises. As more national assets fall into foreign hands, even this vital infrastructure could be at risk. Russia and China wouldn’t engage in such recklessness; they maintain strict control over their strategic infrastructure because they understand that sovereignty isn’t merely about borders—it’s about power.
The Economic Cost of Foreign Ownership
Foreign ownership undermines security and drains Britain’s economy. Decisions regarding critical services are made in boardrooms thousands of miles away, with little consideration for the needs of British citizens. As profits are funnelled abroad, higher costs and inferior services have become the norm.
Italy, for instance, has maintained control of national treasures such as ENI, its energy giant, ensuring that profits are reinvested locally. Spain has implemented safeguards against foreign takeovers in sectors like telecommunications and energy. On the other hand, Britain appears to be conducting a fire sale.
Reclaiming Sovereignty
Britain faces a choice: either wake up and safeguard its industries or continue down this path to irrelevance. Sovereign nations like Norway and Japan have successfully achieved a balance, merging economic growth with national control. It’s time for Britain to take notes.
This doesn’t mean returning to cumbersome state-run models of the past. It means being strategic. Safeguard critical prioritises, regulates foreign ownership, and prioritises national interests. Anything less is a betrayal of future generations.
The Clock Is Ticking
If Britain doesn’t take decisive action, it risks becoming a fractured nation, dependent on foreign powers to power its homes and run its transport. This isn’t alarmism—it’s a stark reality. Sovereignty isn’t optional; it’s essential. Delay now, and the chance to reclaim it might be lost forever.
The message is clear: Britain must reclaim control before it’s too late.