Three men have been taken into custody on suspicion of espionage for China. Officers arrested a 39-year-old man in London and a 43-year-old man from Pontyclun, Wales.
The Metropolitan Police Service announced that these arrests were made on Wednesday as part of an investigation into potential assistance to a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 3 of the National Security Act, 2023.
Among those detained is believed to be the partner of a current Labour Party MP, and another is thought to be the partner of a former Labour MP.
Authorities are actively investigating the situation, and while they have not yet revealed specific details about the alleged intelligence activities, this case emphasises the need for vigilance in protecting national security.
Authorities said one of those arrested is believed to be the partner of a Labour MP, while another is reportedly the partner of a former Labour MP.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have not confirmed the specific nature of the alleged intelligence activity.
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: “Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this.
“Our investigation continues, and we thank the public for their ongoing support.”
The Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London added that they have “seen a significant increase in our casework relating to national security in recent years.
Reform’s Zia Yusuf said: “A Labour MP’s partner has been arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
Why did Starmer grant approval for a Chinese super-embassy right on top of national critical comms infrastructure?
Why did Mandelson’s lobbying firm win a lucrative contract with a firm connected with the Chinese military?
“Why did a Labour MP receive donations from a Chinese spy and employ that spy’s family in his office? Starmer needs to come clean.
Luke De Pulford told the Daily Express: “Another month, another China spying scandal. Yet ludicrously, our biggest security threat, China, still isn’t in the top tier of our foreign influence laws.
“We can’t continue to have our cake and eat it with Beijing. The longer we self-censor for fear of upsetting Beijing, the more we imperil UK security interests.”
