From 4 January 2022, the government is able to scrutinise and intervene in certain acquisitions that could harm the UK’s national security.

The National Security and Investment (NSI) Act – the biggest shake-up of the UK’s national security regime for 20 years – commenced on the 4 January 2022.

The government is now able to scrutinise and intervene in certain acquisitions made by anyone, including businesses and investors, that could harm the UK’s national security.

The government will also be able to impose certain conditions on an acquisition or, if necessary, unwind or block it – although it is expected this will happen rarely and the vast majority of deals will require no intervention and be able to proceed without delay.

See: New laws to strengthen national security come into effect – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)