Chinese spies target UK MPs, security services warn
A SINISTER MI5 warning about Chinese spies targeting MPs has sparked demands to urgently tighten restrictions on Beijing, reports BritPanorama.
The security services today accused Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen of carrying out espionage against Westminster politicians.
Both women, who pose as recruiters on LinkedIn, were named as part of a “widespread and targeted” campaign by the Chinese intelligence ministry. In an email to MPs, peers, and staff, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle stated: “Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis insisted he would not tolerate the “covert and calculated” interference and announced a package of minor measures to enhance cyber security. This warning comes months after a case against two suspected Chinese spies collapsed when the government refrained from labeling Beijing a threat to national security.
Conservative MPs are now demanding that China be placed alongside Russia and Iran in the highest threat level of the new register for foreign actors, with calls to veto its mega-embassy in London. Shadow Cabinet Minister Alex Burghart remarked: “After months of Labour burying their heads in the sand when it comes to China, I hope the Government has now got the message about the real nature of this threat.”
The accusations prompted a furious response from Beijing, which accused the British government of “pure fabrication.” A spokesman for the embassy condemned the UK’s actions and stated they had lodged stern representations.
James Price, a former chief of staff to then Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi, reported receiving a LinkedIn message from Amanda Qiu last year, in which she introduced herself as a head-hunter. He described the message as long and dull, warning that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) possesses both the resources and intent to engage even with former Special Advisers and senior officials. “I hope the Government is wise to the extreme threat the CCP represents and responds robustly,” he added.
This incident underscores an escalating confrontation over national security concerns, as the UK grapples with establishing a coherent response to Chinese influence in its political landscape.
