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Government We need to stop “digging in our heels” on whether to add or not China till Advanced level of threat governanceThe parliamentary intelligence monitoring body has warned.
Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) – composed of senior MPs and peers – identified a number of areas of National Security Act Where there are “unresolved issues” in its annual report.
Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) It came into effect in July and requires anyone carrying out “political influence activities” on behalf of a foreign power to register with the government or face prosecution.
Russia and Iran are at the advanced level, which requires anyone working in those states to declare any activity, not just political work.
being added China This would mean that people working in Britain would have to register with the government under instructions from Beijing.
“Given the extent of the threat posed by China (as identified in the Committee’s 2023 China report), and particularly given its interference campaigns, we are concerned to see the government dragging its heels on this decision,” the ISC wrote.
The report acknowledged that “balancing the tension between security and prosperity” requires “dexterity”.
But she said she had previously found the government “reluctant to prioritize security considerations” when it came to China.
After this, this thing has come to light amidst the ongoing restlessness. Chinese espionage case closed And Warnings by MI5 about the threat posed by the communist state As for Britain’s national security, the government’s difficulties have increased as it seeks to reduce tensions with Beijing.
Sir Keir plans to visit China for his first bilateral visit in January or February next year, as Britain looks to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with the kingdom.
The report said: “The government should quickly reach a decision on whether to add China to the enhanced level of FIRS.
“This committee should be provided with full details of how the decision was made, including the factors considered, to ensure that security concerns are not overlooked in favor of economic considerations.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the decision was being “reviewed very closely” when asked recently why China was not placed in the top tier.
“The government is keeping this under very close review, and I hope we will have more to say about it at the appropriate time,” he told the Commons in early December.
ISC talked about meeting Sir keir starmer The meeting in July – the first with a Prime Minister in more than 10 years – marked a “very positive reset” in relations between the committee and the government.
The ISC also reiterated its long-standing call for reform of the Official Secrets Act.
A government spokesperson said: “National security is the first duty of this government. We value the ISC’s independent oversight and the thoroughness of their investigation.
“This report highlights the vital, complex work our agencies do every day to protect the UK.
“This Government is taking a coherent, long-term and strategic approach to managing the UK’s relationship with China, based on UK and global interests.
“We will cooperate where we can and challenge where we can.”