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MI5 has issued a shocking warning to MPs, warning that they are being targeted by China, Russia and Iran through espionage.
In a warning posted by the government ahead of Security Secretary Dan Jarvis’ Commons statement, intelligence chiefs issued new guidelines to protect Britain’s democracy from foreign agents.
It states that elected representatives and those who work with them may be targeted for their access to information, their ability to shape policy or public opinion, or their connections to others of interest.
This includes not only classified material but also privileged or insider information that foreign intelligence services consider valuable. This may be through efforts to exploit overseas travel, online activity and financial donations as avenues of access and influence.
Sir Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, said: “When foreign states steal vital UK information or manipulate our democratic processes they not only harm our security in the short term, they also erode the foundations of our sovereignty and our ability to protect the interests of our citizens.
“Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about their role in UK democracy. Take action today to protect it and yourself.”
It comes like this Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle expressed anger at the fall of china spy trial Involving former parliamentary researchers.
Sir Lindsay gave a dramatic opening statement to MPs ahead of Mr Jarvis’s update, amid questions about whether the government had effectively blocked vital evidence from being given to prosecutors.
Prosecution of Christopher CashFormer parliamentary researcher Christopher Berry, 30, and teacher Christopher Berry, 33, were arraigned last month amid allegations by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that the government had refused to provide evidence needed to proceed with the trial.
Sir Keir Starmer’s defense was that the previous Tory government led by Rishi Sunak had not put in place the right laws to prosecute because China was not properly designated as a national security threat.
But the Conservatives have accused the government of blocking the MI5 file going to prosecutors.
Mr Jarvis said: “I urge anyone working in government, the public service or politics to be vigilant and trust their instincts if something doesn’t feel right and follow the guidance of the NPSA. Foreign intelligence officers often work covertly and exploit professional networking sites and personal vulnerabilities to influence.
“This new guidance builds on the work we are already doing to tackle these issues. People engaging in political influence on behalf of foreign powers must register under the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, because Parliament and the public have a right to know who is seeking to influence political outcomes and in whose interests.”
But it came amid anger in Parliament over the failure of the trial and its impact on Parliament.
In an opening statement, the Speaker said: “Members will know that I have previously registered my disappointment that charges against two individuals relating to spying for Chinese authorities have been dropped.
“Only disappointment, but I am very angry. It is extremely important for me that everyone working in this Parliament can carry out their activities safely and without interference.”
Hinting at efforts to reopen the case, he said, “I am continuing to seek advice from authorities as to what further steps can be taken to pursue this issue.”
“Otherwise, I will issue an updated safety guidance to members later today.”
And in a direct message to ministers sitting on the front bench, he said: “I think that’s something the Government should be aware of. This is part of Parliament that has been spied on. It is MPs who have been here. It is MPs’ offices that have been infiltrated.
“As the situation stands, what we have seen is payment for spying on something that I believe we should be protected at this time, I feel we have not been protected. I certainly don’t blame the minister. I know he will give a lot of answers in his statement and answer a lot of questions, but I put it on the record. I’m angry. I’m disappointed in my job without that job.”