Khaberni - The British domestic intelligence agency (MI5) issued a rare public warning to members of parliament today, Monday, about the potential targeting by spies from China, Russia, and Iran in an attempt to undermine democracy in the country.
The warning comes a week after public prosecutors were forced to drop a case against two British men accused of spying on parliament members on behalf of China, citing the British government's failure to produce evidence that China poses a national security threat.
MI5 warned politicians and their staff about spies seeking to extract information from them through blackmail or phishing attacks, or by establishing close, long-standing relationships with them, or offering donations to influence their decisions.
Ken McCallum, the Director-General of MI5, said, "When foreign countries steal vital information from Britain or manipulate our democratic processes, they not only harm our security in the short term but also undermine the foundations of our sovereignty."
The agency urged politicians to "monitor unusual social interactions," including frequent requests for private meetings, and to be cautious if there is "open flattery."
In comments accompanying the advice directed at members of parliament, McCallum said, "Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about the role they play in the democracy of Britain. Take action today to protect it, and protect yourselves."
In January 2022, the domestic intelligence service issued a warning regarding lawyer Christine Lee, stating that she was "involved in political interference activities" in Britain on behalf of the ruling Communist Party of China.
The Speaker of the House of Commons circulated the warning among lawmakers and said that MI5 found that Lee "facilitated financial donations to parliamentarians, both incumbents and hopefuls, on behalf of foreign nationals residing in Hong Kong and China."
Later, Lee filed a lawsuit against the domestic intelligence agency in an attempt to clear her name, but she lost the case.
Despite British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's attempts to thaw relations with China since taking office last year, London and Beijing have repeatedly exchanged accusations of spying, as British security agencies have warned of China's attempts to penetrate its political and business communities.
In the recently abandoned trial, the Chinese Embassy in London stated in a statement, "We have maintained from the beginning that the claim that China instructed the British individuals involved 'to steal British intelligence information' is completely fabricated and malicious slander, which we strongly reject."
