A defence insider has warned that the alleged Chinese spy is just the tip of the iceberg, claiming that the UK is likely to uncover more security breaches.
Defence analyst Nicholas Drummond told GB News that he "wasn't surprised" when it emerged this weekend that a parliamentary researcher had been arrested on suspicion of espionage.
When asked if he thinks many more similar cases are likely to be uncovered now that the Government knows where to look, Drummond said: "Yes. The Chinese are everywhere and they’re trying to infiltrate as much of Government defence and security services as they can.
"It’s a policy of theirs to get inside countries to have access from within."
Sunak has been challenged to conduct a "complete security overhaul" in light of the revelations
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The parliamentary researcher was arrested in March, alongside another male in his 30s. Both were released on police bail until October.
Drummond called for the Government to conduct a "complete security overhaul", adding that the latest developments are likely to change the UK's foreign policy approach to China.
He said: "They’re everywhere. We have to look really hard.
"We have to conduct a complete security overhaul that goes beyond parliament. We’re looking at pressure groups and lobbyists as well. It has to happen."
Speaking about the UK's relationship with Beijing, he added: "I think there’s a realisation that China is not our friend".
But just this morning, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch pushed back against hawkish Conservatives, saying she is mindful that China is the second biggest economy "we do business with".
She told Sky News that she doesn't want to "scare" people, adding: "It is important to be diplomatic".
Earlier today, the researcher involved broke his silence to claim innocence in a statement released by his lawyers.
The man said he had spent his career highlighting the “challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party”, claiming he is "completely innocent".
He said: "I feel forced to respond to the media accusations that I am a ‘Chinese spy’."
It is wrong that I should be obliged to make any form of public comment on the misreporting that has taken place.
“However, given what has been reported, it is vital that it is known that I am completely innocent.
“I have spent my career to date trying to educate others about the challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party.
“To do what has been claimed against me in extravagant news reporting would be against everything I stand for."
In a statement to the House of Commons this after, Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden reassured MPs that the UK remains “clear-eyed” about the challenges posed by Beijing.
Kemi Badenoch pushed back against hawkish Conservatives, saying she is mindful that China is the second biggest economy "we do business with"
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He said: "These are serious allegations and it is right that they are being thoroughly investigated by the police and relevant agencies."
Dowden added that it remains an “absolute priority” to take “all necessary steps to protect the UK from any foreign state activity which seeks to undermine our national security, prosperity and democratic values”.
MPs have been warned not to name the individual in question as it may compromise the investigation.
