MPs have warned the UK needs to be freed from the grip of hostile states (Image: Getty)

       MPs have warned that the UK has “blindly” fallen into China and Russia’s clutches through their grip on critical minerals and gas respectively. Up to 50 Tory MPs have demanded the UK sign critical mineral partnerships and targeted free trade deals with allied countries to ensure Britain’s security.

       Shadow Home Affairs Minister Alicia Kearns MP, former chair of the Foreign Select Committee, said: “China has spent years expanding their sphere of influence among developing countries and Russia has invaded a European ally. The UK has blindly fallen into China and Russia’s clutches, with Russia’s weaponisation of gas and China’s dominance of critical minerals exposing the UK’s energy, defence and technology industries. We have been far too slow to react, and are simply letting them in through the front door. “Now is the time for the UK to lead on the security of global democracies and tip the scales back in our favour. If we act now with urgency, we can keep our nation prosperous and safe and remove Russia and China's hands from democracy’s throat.”

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       China is a dominant global player in critical minerals, with significant capacity in the production and processing of key materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements which are vital for modern technologies and the energy transition.

       Meanwhile In 2021 imports from Russia made up 4% of gas used in the UK, 9% of oil and 27% of coal. But sanctions on Russia because of the war in Ukraine sent energy prices globally rocketing.

       Gavin Williamson MP, former Defence Secretary, said: “It is time for Britain to step up to the new challenges our world is facing.

       “We must lead the security effort for democracies across the world. This means weaning ourselves off hostile states for energy and critical minerals, and building stronger clean energy supply chains at home and across western democracies.

       “To achieve this, we must use the conservative playbook, harnessing our Brexit freedoms to sign new free trade agreements and critical mineral partnerships to create a safer, cleaner, and more prosperous Britain.”

       Britain must use its Brexit freedoms to strike deals with other countries, the Conservative Environment Network’s (CEN) policy report suggested.

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       Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is currently trying to secure a trade deal with Donald Trump’s administration which is likely to focus on technology and artificial intelligence.

       Sam Payne, CEN’s senior climate programme manager, said: “It is crucial that Britain benefits from the energy transition.

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       “This means alongside reducing global emissions, the transition must bring affordable electricity prices, protect and grow our industries, and create a more secure Britain.

       “But this requires a market-led, conservative plan. As the Leader of the Opposition rightly pointed out, Labour’s plan will cause bills to rise and leave us reliant on Chinese energy components. Conservatives have the opportunity to champion the honest and ambitious alternative Britain needs. “Our paper offers just that.

       “Rather than a state-led approach to the clean energy transition, our policies will help create a Britain that is safer, more prosperous and ensure industry is incentivised to go green, rather than penalised.”