UK Deputy PM Dowden plans to address university vulnerability to hostile foreign states, particularly China, through a Cobra briefing, researcher security consultations, increased transparency in university funding, and examining national security laws.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden announced plans to address the vulnerability of universities to hostile foreign states, particularly China, following a government review. The government will convene a Cobra briefing with university vice-chancellors, consult on researcher security, increase transparency in university funding, and examine existing laws on national security and investment to apply to universities. Deputy Prime Minister Dowden emphasized the importance of balancing national security risks with maintaining academic freedom and university independence.