MI5 warned Tories that MP hopefuls could be spies and candidates ‘posed a risk’
MI5 warned the Tories that two MP hopefuls could be spies for China, it emerged last night.
Security services contacted party bosses in 2021 and advised bosses to ban the suspected traitors from their general election candidates’ list.
According to The Times, MI5 were concerned the pair had ties to the United Front Work Department, which is the shady Chinese government body that tries to influence politics abroad.
The suspected spies ended up being banned from the Tory candidates’ list.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: “When we receive credible information regarding security concerns over potential candidates we act upon them.”
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It comes as Westminster was recently rocked by the news that a parliamentary researcher was arrested by Met counter terror police on suspicion of being a spy.
The man, in his 20s, was released on bail until October.
There is fury in Westminster after the researcher was arrested in March but it was hidden from all but a handful of ministers and senior MPs.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned against naming the man using Parliamentary privilege.
He told MPs: “Commenting on the identities of those alleged to be involved, engaging in speculation on the case or discussing other details runs a serious risk of prejudicing any future prosecutions.”
In an anonymous statement via the legal firm, the suspect said: “Given what has been reported, it is vital it’s known I am completely innocent.
“I have spent my career trying to educate others about the challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party.”
PM Rishi Sunak said the sanctity of Parliament “must be protected”.
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But No10 hinted the row will not stop Beijing from being invited to Britain’s AI summit later this year.
Foreign Affairs Committee boss Alicia Kearns, who hired the suspect, was also criticised.