UK's MI5 warns politicians they are targets of Russia and Chinese spying

MI5 has issued a public warning to UK members of parliament about espionage threats from China, Russia, and Iran. This follows the abandonment of a trial involving two British men charged with spying for China, as the government lacked evidence of a security threat.

MI5 cautioned politicians to be vigilant against spies who might use blackmail or flattery to gain information. Director General Ken McCallum stressed the importance of safeguarding democracy.

In January 2022, MI5 alerted lawmakers about lawyer Christine Lee, claiming her involvement in foreign political interference, which she later contested unsuccessfully in court. Despite an effort by Prime Minister Keir Starmer to improve UK-China relations, tensions over espionage persist. China's embassy has denied any allegations of espionage.