𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

MPs and Westminster employees have been sent a warning after China attempted to spy on them again. Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his counterpart in the House of Lords, Lord McFall have warned MPs and Lords of an “espionage alert” issued by MI5 and after “relentless” attacks trying to “influence activity at Parliament”.

Sir Hoyle added that the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) was using fake LinkedIn profiles trying to recruit members in Westminster to author freelance “geopolitical reports”. The speaker warned that MPs, Lords, special advisors, think tank lobbyists, and parliamentary staff had all been targeted to “collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships” 

MI5 also warned that some elements of their espionage included payment for information, either cash-in-hand or cryptocurrency like bitcoin, as well as all-expenses paid holidays to China. 

Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday afternoon, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “Earlier today MI5 issued an espionage alert to members of this House, members of the Other Place, and parliamentary staff to warn them about ongoing targeting of our democratic institutions by Chinese actors.

“Let me thank you Mr Speaker for your support in issuing the alart and your tireless efforts to safeguard the security of this place and the people who serve within it.”

“Our intelligence agencies have warned that China is attempting to recruit and cultivate individuals with access to sensitive information about Parliament and the UK Government.

“MI5 have stated that this activity is being carried out by a group of Chinese intelligence officers, often masked by the use of cover companies or external headhunters.”

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