In a previous story on the Nvidia acquisition the UK government post-Brexit seems to have decided it needs an industrial intervention policy [1]. Unfortunately after 40 years of a studious lack of interest there's not even the basic understanding at any level. It's painfully obvious whenever they try to express opinions on takeovers and try to link their interest to defence or chip shortages.

There was a flurry of government concern last month [2] when Wingtech/Nexperia announced they were acquiring the UK's "largest semiconductor manufacturer" - actually a small plant in Newport making niche analog and compound semiconductors. It was linked by government spokespeople to games consoles and "computer chips" shortages despite the plant's focus on MOSFET/TIGBT/Silicon Photonics.

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-56804007

[2] https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jul/05/chinese-own...