FIRS scheme has a “China-shaped hole”, say Lib Dems

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS)’s publication today, Calum Miller MP, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, said: 

"It’s clear that there’s a China-shaped hole in today’s FIRS announcement. Labour's failure to include China on the enhanced tier sends a terrible signal to pro-democracy Hong Kongers and Chinese activists living in the UK, and undermines our security.

"The government has offered no reasons why China - which poses similar threats to our interests and ideals - is excluded when Iran and Russia are rightly on the enhanced tier.

"As we mark the anniversary of the Hong Kong handover today, it’s astonishing the Government has chosen now to broadcast its lax approach to Chinese interference here at home.

"With reports also that the Chinese 'mega-embassy' is about to be greenlit, the Government needs to get serious about the threat posed by China - or risk mirroring the Conservatives' utterly incoherent response to Beijing while in power.”

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

Please see the FIRS guidance published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-influence-registration-scheme-enhanced-tier/guidance-on-the-foreign-influence-registration-scheme-enhanced-tier-accessible-version