UK sets up critical imports council to protect vital supplies

Group will tackle potential restrictions to items such as medicine amid geopolitical and climate threats

The government is setting up a critical imports council to help tackle potential restrictions in supplies to the UK of items such as medicine, minerals, food and semiconductors, amid rising geopolitical and climate threats.

Bringing together academics and businesses, the council is expected to convene for the first time in the next three months. It will be tasked with predicting potential issues and advising on action to secure supply, such as finding alternative sources including the potential for more UK production.