MI5 raises alarm: Russia and China conducting espionage against British politicians
Photo: MI5 Director General Ken McCallum (Getty Images)
The United Kingdom’s domestic intelligence agency MI5 has warned lawmakers and staff members that they are being targeted by spies from China, Russia, and Iran, according to Bloomberg.
The UK Security Service (MI5) has warned that espionage efforts by Russia, China, and Iran are aimed at undermining British democracy, according to new security guidance issued to lawmakers and political staff.
"The UK is a target of long-term strategic foreign interference and espionage from elements of the Russian, Chinese and Iranian states which, in different ways, seek to further their economic and strategic interests and cause harm to our democratic institutions," the advisory stated.
The document was released just weeks after a high-profile espionage case collapsed, in which two men were accused of working for China. The incident sparked criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government and its approach toward Beijing, as he has sought to rebuild diplomatic relations since taking office in 2024.
MI5 urged politicians to be wary of "threat actors" attempting to obtain information, build long-term relationships, or blackmail them. The agency warned that such actors might use a range of methods, from online deception and recruitment attempts to hacking and cyberattacks, to gain access to sensitive material.
The guidance also noted that foreign governments could use financial donations disguised as domestic contributions or indirect funding for UK-based projects to exert political influence.
"What might begin as an apparently genuine interaction can transition into something more malign," the guidance said.
"It’s important you remain alert and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, report it to your security team promptly," the document advised.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis, speaking in Parliament on Monday, said the new guidelines form part of the government’s response to the halted espionage case, aiming to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to national security.
He also rejected accusations that the Starmer government had interfered with the investigation to protect diplomatic ties with China.
"Suggestions that the government concealed evidence, withdrew witnesses or restricted the ability of witnesses to draw on particular bits of evidence are all untrue," Jarvis said.
Last month, a former UK Member of the European Parliament, Nathan Gill, ex-leader of the Reform UK party in Wales, pleaded guilty to accepting bribes for activities carried out in Russia’s interest, appearing before a court in London.
