Defence and National Security Paper: A Defining Moment for UK Semiconductor Policy

Following the success of the Growth Paper published earlier this year, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Semiconductors is now turning its attention to the increasingly critical intersection of defence and national security. Semiconductors, in all their forms, underpin virtually all modern defence systems and will be fundamental to the next generation of military technologies. In an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment, the absence of a trusted, domestic and sovereign supply chain presents a profound strategic vulnerability, with potentially severe consequences for national resilience and security.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Semiconductors has asked the Advisory Board to launch a Defence and National Security paper on Tuesday 15 September 2026. With preparations now well underway, the upcoming reception is set to be a significant moment in shaping the future direction of UK semiconductor policy.

This event will bring together parliamentarians, industry leaders and members of the Advisory Board to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the UK: how to secure and strengthen the semiconductor systems that underpin modern defence capability and national resilience.

In an era defined by rising geopolitical tensions, increased global competition and mounting pressure on existing supply chains, the stakes have never been higher. Semiconductors sit at the core of defence technologies across land, sea, air and space, and access to them is increasingly shaped by political and economic forces beyond the UK’s direct control.

The APPG’s forthcoming paper will help frame this challenge, setting out the case for decisive policy intervention. This includes the need to strengthen domestic manufacturing, support UK industry, and ensure that supply chains are both resilient and secure in the face of external shocks. Without coordinated action, vulnerabilities within these supply chains risk translating directly into vulnerabilities for national security.

The Treasurer of the APPG, Gurinder Josan MP stated “I was delighted to attend the June meeting of the APPG for Semiconductors and to hear of the important work Ruth Jones MP and the team are doing to highlight the importance for the economy and national security of semiconductors. I am fully aware of how important a sovereign and resilient supply chain is to our defence sector, and the role that semiconductors play in achieving this. I very much look forward to the event on the 15 September and learning more of what the expert Advisory Board publishes in support of this.”

With only a few months until the launch, there is a significant programme of work ahead to ensure the paper delivers clear, practical and impactful recommendations. The APPG is playing an increasingly important role in convening Parliament and industry, and in helping to shape the policy agenda at a time when strategic clarity is urgently needed.

The September event will provide a vital platform to drive this conversation forward, focusing attention on the actions required to protect and develop the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem, safeguard supply chains, and strengthen the country’s long-term security and sovereignty.