Oliver Dowden said he could guarantee this year’s election would be safe from Chinese cyberattacks and insisted Britain’s national security would not be at risk from Chinese-made smart cars.

The deputy prime minister said local elections in May and a general election later in 2024 “will be safe and secure” after he formally accused Beijing of attacking the electoral commission and exposing the personal data of 40 million voters.

In a statement to the House of Commons, he announced sanctions against two people and one entity linked to the Chinese state-linked hacking group APT31.

I can guarantee that our election process will be safe and secure

Oliver Dowden

Later on Monday, he told the Palestinian Authority in an interview that he believed the electoral process would not be affected by Chinese espionage.

Mr Dowden said: “Yes, I can guarantee that our electoral process will be safe and secure.

“That’s not to say that all elections around the world are facing an increasingly hostile situation.”

He added that “precisely because we are in the midst of an election this year and we face greater risks from malign actors such as China” and working with countries such as Russia, Iran and North Korea, it is “important” to believe in democracy, Countries that are open and rule by law stand together.”

When asked why action had only been taken now, after it was established in October 2022 that the electoral commission had been attacked, the deputy prime minister said it was important to build a “strong evidence base” and a “united front” with the United States.

Britain’s increased pressure on China comes as the United States has taken similar action, with the United States on Monday indicting several Chinese individuals accused of malicious cyber operations.

U.S. President Joe Biden recently announced an investigation into Chinese-made smart cars that could collect sensitive information about Americans driving them, citing possible national security risks.

Asked whether the UK had similar concerns, Dowden insisted the government would ensure the safety of China’s connected vehicles.

“We will make sure we protect the safety of our transportation infrastructure,” he said.

“Of course, any new technology requires safety department approval.

“I know the Transport Secretary will ensure that any new technology deployed on our roads is protected and safe.”

The minister also said the UK would be wary of any decision on Chinese nuclear investment amid new concerns over China General Nuclear Power Group’s (CGN) proposed Bradwell B nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Sea in Essex. A “review” was conducted. .

Mr Dowden said: “Of course we keep all these decisions under review.

“But I believe we have reached a point where we are sensible on this and working with the government and the intelligence community we will ensure that any nuclear investment is safe and secure.”