China given access to NHS medical records as fears grow over health data being misused by Beijing

The facility makes its information available to universities, scientific institutes and private companies.

Volunteers have agreed for data from their GP records to be added to the central database – one of the world’s largest troves of health data.

Volunteers have agreed for data from their GP records to be added to the central database

GETTY

The project, based in Stockport, has already been used to develop new treatments for cancers, heart disease, and age-related conditions.

Analysis by the Guardian has suggested one-in-five successful applications for access to the database come from China.

This week, a source from the research hub told the publication that the NHS unit responsible for health data has granted official clearance for Chinese researchers.

MI5 has previously urged organisations and individuals to be wary of attempts from the Chinese to acquire sensitive information.

MORE LIKE THIS:

Analysis has suggested one in five successful applications for access to the database come from China

REUTERS

In 2023, MI5 chief Ken McCallum warned that China, and other hostile states, are “laser focused” on emerging technology like synthetic biology – a scientific field that involves designing or modifying biological systems like a virus to perform new functions.

“States which lead the way in areas like artificial intelligence, quantum computing and synthetic biology will have the power to shape all our futures,” he said.

“We all need to be aware, and respond, before it’s too late.”

Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Daily Mail that the situation was “outrageous”, adding: “China is an unfriendly country and there should be a complete ban on any further NHS data going there.”

He also claimed that the Chinese Communist Party could use the data to “develop targeted weapons”.

Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told said that the situation was ‘outrageous’

GETTY

Researchers in China will be given access to NHS medical records from 500,000 patients

PA

Chi Onwurah, a Labour MP who chairs the parliamentary science and technology committee, defended the project but admitted that stricter measures should be put in place to protect data.

She said: “”We need a government-wide strategy that gives people confidence that they have control of their data, that their data is only ever shared securely and responsibly, and that reflects the realities of geopolitics and the potential for bad actors to use our data for ill.”

The Government has stressed that any patient data will be anonymised and will only be shared with “legitimate researchers.”

A spokesman said: “National security is one of the key foundations of this government.

“Security and privacy considerations are always taken into account when UK health data is used to drive forward our understanding of diseases and advance scientific research.

“Health data is always anonymised, removing details that allow people to be identified, and only shared with legitimate researchers.”