A Chinese state-owned energy company is funding the construction of Hinkley Point in Somerset

China is still investing in big British infrastructure projects despite concerns over the Huawei deal and fears among the UK’s intelligence partners of exposure to foreign influence.

Construction is well under way at Hinkley Point nuclear power plant in Somerset despite the controversy, and Beijing is also being wooed for the HS2 high-speed rail link.

Britain’s commitment to welcoming Chinese money for everything from its 5G network to cinemas and electric taxis has made it the top European destination for direct investment from China, but a former government energy adviser asked yesterday why the nuclear projects, which also include Chinese-backed power plants in Suffolk and Essex, did not attract more scrutiny.

Paul Dorfman of the Energy Institute at University College London said: “There’s significant controversy