The Speaker of the House of Commons has issued a stark warning to MPs and peers about an active espionage campaign being waged by Chinese security services. Sir Lindsay Hoyle wrote directly to parliamentarians on Tuesday, alerting them to a critical security notice distributed by MI5.
The Nature of the Threat
In his communication, Sir Lindsay detailed that the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is systematically attempting to make contact with individuals in Westminster. The primary goal of this operation is to gather sensitive information and establish long-term, influential relationships. The security services have identified that the MSS is utilising professional networking sites like LinkedIn, alongside recruitment agents and consultants, to approach their targets.
The MI5 alert specifically named two individuals acting on behalf of the Chinese intelligence service: Amanda Qiu of BR-YR Executive Search and Shirly Shen from the Internship Union. Both are known to be using LinkedIn profiles to initiate contact with potential targets within the UK's political sphere.
Who is Being Targeted?
The warning makes it clear that the Chinese intelligence service is focusing its efforts on acquiring political and economic information, with a particular interest in material that is classified or otherwise sensitive. The alert states that individuals with direct access to information concerning the UK's democratic systems are considered high-priority targets. This net is cast wide to include those who are close to potential access points.
According to the security briefing, the threat extends beyond just MPs and peers. It also encompasses parliamentary staff, economists, think tank employees, and those working closely with the Government, who are often targeted for their valuable networks and connections.
A Call for Vigilance in Westminster
Sir Lindsay emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "It is of the utmost importance that we all understand how this activity happens and how to protect ourselves against it. We all have a responsibility to keep Parliament safe." He confirmed that the Lord Speaker is delivering a similar warning to members' staff in the House of Lords.
This formal espionage alert coincides with a separate address to MPs by Security Minister Dan Jarvis, who spoke on Tuesday about the broader issue of Chinese espionage and the government's ongoing security response to these persistent threats.
