The UK’s MI5 has issued new security guidance to protect the country’s democratic institutions amid rising espionage risks from Russia, Iran and China. The agency warned members of Parliament that they are being targeted by foreign spies seeking to undermine the UK’s democracy through manipulation, recruitment attempts and covert influence.
New recommendations for MPs and government staff
The MI5 document urges MPs, parliamentary staff and political candidates to stay alert to unusual social interactions — such as repeated requests for private meetings — that could be attempts to build compromising relationships. The agency said the new measures aim to help those in politics recognise potential threats and take simple steps to safeguard themselves, their teams and the integrity of the British democratic process.
Growing concern after recent espionage cases
The new guidance follows a series of high-profile espionage-related cases. Just a week earlier, British prosecutors dropped charges against two citizens accused of spying for China. Meanwhile, former MEP Nathan Gill admitted to receiving payments from Russian sources, and lawyer Christine Lee was found to have worked in coordination with a department of the Chinese Communist Party. These incidents have raised concerns about persistent foreign efforts to infiltrate UK institutions.
Espionage extending to space and cyberspace
The UK Space Command has recently reported multiple Russian attempts to monitor or jam British military satellites, posing a threat to national and NATO defence. At the same time, UK cyber experts have uncovered sophisticated spyware linked to Russian military intelligence operating within the country, as confirmed by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. In response, NATO allies have agreed to boost investment in critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity.
Strengthening resilience through training and cooperation
British MPs are now being trained to use encrypted communications, data encryption and two-factor authentication. GCHQ and MI5 are holding personal briefings for high-risk politicians on identifying recruitment or blackmail attempts. The government has also deepened intelligence cooperation with the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to counter Russian espionage and disinformation operations. Independent media and fact-checking platforms are being supported to counter propaganda and foreign manipulation.
