Introduction
The National Security and Investment Bill (“NSI Bill”) is due to complete its passage through Parliament in May 2021 and it is anticipated it will receive Royal Assent soon after. A number of necessary statutory orders will then be made under the new Act and the legislation is due to enter into force by the end of the year (2021).
The NSI Bill seeks to establish a new, standalone statutory regime to allow the UK Government to scrutinise and intervene in certain acquisitions and investments for the purposes of protecting national security (NSI Regime). It will replace the current powers of the UK Government to intervene on the grounds of national security under the Enterprise Act 2002.