Semiconductor industry given £1bn boost in plan to reduce reliance on China

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the investment would help ‘build our competitive edge on the global stage’.

Semiconductors are vital for present and future smartphone development (Laura Lean/PA) (PA Archive)

The UK’s semiconductor industry will receive £1 billion in investment over the next decade as ministers look to ensure the country is not reliant on China for technology advancements.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the funding, forming part of the national semiconductor strategy, would help “build our competitive edge on the global stage”.

The announcement of the 20-year plan comes after Mr Sunak used a G7-related trip to Japan to agree a partnership on semiconductors with Tokyo as part of efforts to reduce the reliance on Beijing for the supply of the essential microchips.