Details emerge on 'Chinese spy' as MPs prepare to confirm identity
More details have emerged about the alleged Chinese spy in Westminster
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More details have emerged about the alleged Chinese spy in Westminster, as MPs prepare to name him in the House of Commons under parliamentary privilege.
The parliamentary researcher was arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act, alongside another man in his 30s.
Both were released on police bail until October.
The alleged spy has links to hawkish Conservative MPs including Tom Tugendhadt and Alicia Kearns, both of whom are privy to classified information regarding China and broader international relations.
Alicia Kearns is the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee
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This morning, it emerged that the Conservative staffer lobbied for Kearns to get elected as Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Prior to this, Kearns sponsored the suspect for a Parliamentary pass, granting him access to all areas of the estate.
The suspect was arrested while working as a researcher for the China Research Group of MPs, set up by Tom Tugendhat and run by Kearns.
A Whitehall source claimed the breach was a “major escalation by China,” adding “we have never seen anything like this before.”
In a statement published over the weekend, the police said: "Officers from the Metropolitan Police arrested two men on March 13 on suspicion of offences under section one of the Official Secrets Act 1911."
Section one refers to the passing of information which may be ‘prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state.’
Allies of Tugendhadt said the MP has not had contact with the suspect since he was made Security Minister last September.
MPs are understood to be considering naming the suspect under parliamentary privilege, as fury grows over the handling of the case.
Parliamentary privilege is legal immunity enjoyed by members of parliament, meaning they are granted protection against civil or criminal liability for actions. This allows them to speak freely in the House of Commons without being prosecuted.
Sir Iain Duncan-Smith, who is vocal about China, told Sky News he has no plans to name the alleged spy, but called on the security services to name him.
Allies of Tugendhadt said the MP has not had contact with the suspect since he was made Security Minister last September.
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He said: "It's quite ridiculous to have this burbling around all over the [parliamentary] estate and nobody quite knowing who this is they were talking to."
Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch this morning 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".
The Speaker of the House of Commons will give a statement on the allegations at 2.30pm.
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