The UK’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has issued a rare public warning to Members of Parliament, alerting them that spies from China, Russia, and Iran are actively attempting to undermine British democracy, reports Reuters.
The warning follows a recent decision by prosecutors to drop the trial of two British men accused of spying for China, after the government declined to present evidence showing China posed a national security threat.
According to MI5, foreign intelligence services are using blackmail, phishing attacks, and long-term relationship building to extract sensitive information from politicians and their staff. They may also make political donations to influence decision-making processes, reports Telegrafi.
“When foreign states steal vital UK information or manipulate our democratic processes, they not only damage our security in the short term but also erode the foundations of our sovereignty,” said MI5 Director General Ken McCallum.
MI5 urged MPs to remain vigilant about unusual social interactions, particularly frequent private meeting requests or excessive flattery.
In his advisory note, McCallum emphasized:
“Everyone who reads this guidance cares deeply about their role in UK democracy. Take action today to protect it — and yourselves.”
This is not the first time MI5 has warned of Chinese political interference. In January 2022, the agency identified Christine Lee, a solicitor accused of acting on behalf of China’s Communist Party by facilitating financial donations to British politicians. Though Lee later sued MI5 to clear her name, she lost the case.
While Prime Minister Keir Starmer has sought to improve relations with China since taking office, espionage accusations continue to strain ties between London and Beijing. The Chinese Embassy in London dismissed recent allegations as “entirely fabricated and malicious slander.”
