Rishi Sunak reads riot act to Chinese premier at G20 summit as PM expresses his ‘serious concerns’ over claims of Beijing spying in Parliament
Rishi Sunak has told his Chinese counterpart of his ‘significant concerns’ about Beijing’s interference in British democracy amid claims of spying in Parliament.
The PM met with Chinese premier Li Qiang for an informal discussion at the G20 summit in India.
A No 10 spokesman said: ‘The Prime Minister met Premier Li Qiang and conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK’s parliamentary democracy.’
It comes after two men were arrested under the Official Secrets Act amid allegations that a parliamentary researcher spied for China.
The researcher has had links to several senior Tory MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns.
Rishi Sunak has told his Chinese counterpart of his ‘significant concerns’ about Beijing ‘s interference in British democracy amid claims of spying in Parliament.
The PM met with Chinese premier Li Qiang (left) for an informal discussion at the G20 summit in India
The Briton was arrested along with another man by officers on March 13 on suspicion of spying for Beijing, it was revealed by the Sunday Times.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences, are investigating.
One of the men, in his 30s, was detained in Oxfordshire on March 13, while the other, in his 20s, was arrested in Edinburgh, Scotland Yard said.
Both were held on suspicion of offences under section one of the Official Secrets Act 1911, which punishes offences that are said to be ‘prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state’.
‘Searches were also carried out at both the residential properties, as well as at a third address in east London,’ a statement from the force said.
Both men were held at a south London police station until being bailed until early October.
Mr Tugendhat is said not to have had any contact with the researcher since before he became security minister in September last year.
Ms Kearns declined to comment, adding: ‘While I recognise the public interest, we all have a duty to ensure any work of the authorities is not jeopardised.’
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