 "‘When foreign states steal…’: Beware of Chinese, Russian and Iranian spies, UK’s MI5 warns MPs")
Britain’s domestic spy agency, MI5, has issued a rare public warning to members of parliament, saying they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia, and Iran in an attempt to undermine UK democracy.
The warning follows a week after prosecutors abandoned the trial of two British men accused of spying on MPs for China, citing a lack of evidence that China posed a national security threat.
How MPs could be targeted
MI5 said spies may try to gather information from MPs and their staff through blackmail, phishing attacks, cultivating long-term relationships, or offering financial donations to gain influence. Politicians are also advised to be cautious online, while travelling abroad, and in interactions that involve flattery or frequent private meetings.
“When foreign states steal vital UK information or manipulate our democratic processes they don’t just damage our security in the short-term, they erode the foundations of our sovereignty,” MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said.
McCallum urged MPs to “keep track of odd social interactions” and warned, “Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about the role they play in UK democracy. Take action today to protect it – and yourself.”
MI5 previously raised concerns in January 2022 about lawyer Christine Lee, alleging she was “involved in political interference activities” in the UK on behalf of China’s Communist Party. The alert said Lee had “facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and China.” She later sued MI5 to clear her name but lost the case.
Despite British Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeking to improve ties with China, London and Beijing have repeatedly exchanged spying accusations. After the recent trial was abandoned, China’s embassy in London stated: “We have emphasised from the outset that the allegation about China instructing the relevant British individuals to ‘steal British intelligence’ is entirely fabricated and malicious slander, which we firmly reject.”
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