Deals with sovereign governments face fewer obstacles because seller and regulator are one and the same, but sticking points remain.

ECONOMIST: What China wants and can offer for its money

The talks come just over a week after energy regulator Ofgem warned that the UK could face blackouts within a few years, unless steps were taken to secure future energy supply.

BBC: Gas rings on cooker

The energy regulator Ofgem had previously warned that Britain could face electricity blackouts in the next three years if action was not taken soon.

BBC: Energy and Climate Change Committee

Even so, the worry is that a systemic regulator would be biased towards intervention, because it would face less criticism for puncturing a non-bubble than for failing to spot a real one.

ECONOMIST: What regulators should do now

The former rail regulator said direct entry into the police service had the potential to "change the face of modern British policing for the better".

BBC: Tom Winsor says outsiders will 'enrich' the police service