MI5 warns MPs they could be targeted by Chinese spies

According to the Independent, MI5 has warned MPs and peers that they face a significant espionage risk from the Chinese state. A new “espionage alert” has been circulated to members of the Commons and Lords, issued by the security services.

In a letter to MPs, Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said Chinese state actors are “relentless" in their attempts to "interfere with our processes and influence activity at Parliament".

The Commons speaker claimed the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) was "actively reaching out to individuals in our community", arguing they seek 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 will address the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon to outline measures the government is taking to combat Chinese espionage.