ELECTRIC vehicles with certain components have reportedly been prohibited from Salisbury Plain amid security fears.
The i Paper has stated that the “Ministry of Defence has banned electric (EVs) with Chinese components from sensitive sites and military training bases.”
It added that Salisbury Plain, as well as RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire, are believed to have been subject to these new rules.
In March, Conservative Lord Robathan inquired in Parliament about any restrictions on the transportation of Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles onto Ministry of Defence barracks or training locations.
Lord Coaker, a life peer, responded by stating that the Ministry of Defence takes the protection of defence assets “very seriously,” and that policies and procedures include potential dangers from all sorts of vehicles, not simply those built in China.
He stated, “There are no centrally mandated policy restrictions on the movement of Chinese-manufactured vehicles.”
“We are aware that individual defence organisations may have stricter requirements relating to electric vehicles on some sites, but we do not provide specific details for security reasons.”
According to the i Paper, senior authorities recently “became alarmed” when they discovered that EVs driven by military personnel were being watched or that sensors may be used to gather intelligence for the Chinese government.
A spokeswoman from the Chinese Embassy has said: “China has always resolutely opposed any type of cyber assaults and cyber espionage. The idea that China aims to “spy via EVs” is entirely groundless and a vicious lie.
“Chinese electric vehicles are popular all over the world due to their technological innovation and great quality, which were developed via severe market competition.
“We hope that the British side will stop abusing the excuse of national security, respect the rules of the market economy and the principle of fair competition, and provide an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies.”
The Ministry of Defence stated that protecting national security is their top priority, and they have strict procedures in place to protect government sites and information. They are constantly monitoring for potential security threats from various technologies. Additionally, the government has contributed to the development of new international regulations to address potential threats in vehicle construction and monitoring.
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