Lindsay Hoyle lets rip at 'unhelpful' MP comments as he addresses serious security concern
Lindsay Hoyle has hit out at MPs for "unhelpful" comments about the alleged security breach in parliament.
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Lindsay Hoyle has hit out at MPs for "unhelpful" comments about the alleged security breach in parliament.
He warned MPs not to discuss the claims against a parliamentary researcher who was arrested earlier this year for allegedly spying for China.
The Commons Speaker issued a firm warning to MPs in a statement today, saying: "At this stage, I do not wish to say anything further about this issue and I would remind all members the importance of not discussing security issues on the floor of the house."
He warned that "commenting on identitiies of those who are involved, engaging in speculation about the case or dicussing other details" would bring a "serious risk of prejudicing any futureu prosecutions".
The unnamed individual was arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act, alongside another man in his 30s.
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Hoyle also hit out at MPs for "unhelpful" comments made int he media.
In his closing remarks, he added: "I do not intend to take any points of order on this matter. If members have security concerns they are welcome to raise them outside the Chamber with me".
The Speaker also used his statement to reassure members that "the extreme small number of people that needed to know were immediately briefed on a strictly confidential basis" after the individual was arrested in March.
The parliamentary researcher was arrested earlier this year alongside another man in his 30s. Both were released on police bail until October.
Hoyle's statement comes amid growing anger from MPs about the handling of the case, with some privately threatening to name the individual involved under parliamentary privilege.
Oliver Dowden also gave a statement on the issue, telling MPs that the claims were "serious allegations”, reassuring MPs that the UK remains “clear-eyed” about the challenges posed by Beijing.
The Deputy Prime Minister told the House of commons: "These are serious allegations and it is right that they are being thoroughly investigated by the police and relevant agencies."
He said 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”.
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."
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.
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.”
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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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.
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".