Overview
In recent years, UK industries and supply chains have been tested by crises emerging from many different directions: the Covid-19 pandemic, disruption to key transport routes such as the Panama Canal and Red Sea, Chinese competition and export controls, US trade restrictions, and the ripple effects of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The UK Government has pledged to renew the economy and revitalise strategic industries. Yet the restructuring of the global economy as it adapts to recent shocks presents both opportunities and threats to these ambitions. Having already intervened to prevent the closure of the Scunthorpe integrated steel works and having decided to increase defence spending, the government will aim to shape events rather than to react to them as it prepares its steel and critical minerals strategies.
In this briefing, Minister McDonald will discuss the challenges the UK faces in securing critical industries and supply chains and the government’s approach to addressing them.
The Minister will welcome insights from the audience on the action needed to mitigate risks, strengthen resilience and ensure that UK industry remains a driver of stability and prosperity in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaker Biography
Chris McDonald MP was appointed to his current role on 11 September 2025. His portfolio covers defence industries, infrastructure, steel, critical minerals, energy supply chains, and related sectors. Before becoming an MP, he spent 20 years working in the steel industry, with a focus on research.
Joining Instructions and Attribution
This is an in-person only event for Major Organisation Level members and above, taking place at RUSI, 61 Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET.
Please register your interest in attending. We will confirm by email by 12 February the allocation of places at this event, which will depend on capacity.
The event is 'off the record'.
A sandwich lunch will be available from 13:00 GMT. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email [email protected].
