SIR Keir Starmer is failing to toughen up the country’s economic security amid devastating cyber attacks and threats from China, leading MPs say.
Britain risks being seen as the “weak link” among Western allies as threats from hostile states mount, a Commons panel says.
It comes after Jaguar Land Rover production froze after a cyber incident that had a knock-on for growth figures.
China also threatened to interrupt supplies of computer chips and minerals last year.
Ministers have only accepted four out of twenty-five recommendations put forward by the Business and Trade committee at the end of last year.
The report states that the private sector can’t “dovetail” its activity with the government or invest when the economic security policy is “unclear”.
It adds that the UK doesn’t make the issue the same level of priority as allies such as the EU, US or Japan.
Liam Byrne, who chairs the committee, said: “Economic security is the foundation of national security.
“Our allies are building the institutions and enforcement capabilities to match.
“Britain is not – and allies are deeply worried. Economic security is not a slogan.
“It means clear rules, real consequences, and the capacity to act when Britain is targeted.
“Until Ministers move from acknowledgement to action, we will remain vulnerable in a world that is getting harder by the day.
“Allies fear Britain is becoming the weak link.
“Ministers must prove them wrong and take steps now to strengthen our defences.”
