<p>Prime contractors are responsible for managing their supply chains and we would expect them to take appropriate action to ensure continuity of supply and to make decisions about future suppliers.</p><p>The 2012 National Security through Technology White Paper (Cm8278) explains how we protect sovereignty in relation to defence procurement. Our default position for meeting defence requirements is through open competition, but the White Paper also describes how the Ministry of Defence would take action to protect our freedom of action and operational advantage where there are national security grounds. The 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review further committed the Department to take a more vigilant and systematic approach where the most sensitive components are concerned.</p>