China spies case: Investigation needed on if Govt is doing enough to protect our democracy and national security

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to reports that a case involving two men accused of spying for China collapsed because evidence could not be obtained from the Government referring to China as a national security threat, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson Calum Miller said:

"China is clearly a threat to UK national security. The head of MI6 said this in 2021.

“It is shocking that a case against two men accused of acting on China's behalf to acquire secret information from MPs has collapsed because Government ministers and officials have refused to confirm China is a menace.

“The Government should tell Parliament who made the decision not to provide evidence to the CPS. The Intelligence and Security Committee should investigate whether the Government is doing enough to protect our democracy and national security from China.

“Instead of trying to win favour with Beijing ahead of a visit next year, the Prime Minister should show some backbone, call China out for its behaviour and place it - with Russia and Iran - on the enhanced tier of FIRS."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Richard Moore (Head of MI6) said on 30 November 2021: "The Chinese intelligence services are highly capable and continue to conduct large-scale espionage operations against the UK and our allies," as reported here.