An alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York can now be named as Yang Tengbo, a High Court judge has ruled.
The 50-year-old director of a Chinese investment consultancy firm was barred from the UK in 2023 after it was deemed he would likely threaten national security.
A High Court judge has now lifted an anonymity order so he can now be identified.
The suspect is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.
Former Conservative leader Sir Ian Duncan Smit told the House of Commons Tengbo “was not a lone wolf”.
“He was one of some 40,000 members of the United Works Department, which the intelligence security committee report last year said and I quote ‘are known to government, had penetrated every sector of the UK economy, spying, stealing intellectual property, influencing and shaping our institutions,” he said.
Security minister Dan Jarvis said the government will not hesitate to use “every tool at our disposal” to keep the UK safe.
Key Points
- Yang Tengbo was not a lone wolf, Ian Duncan Smith says
- UK will have consistent and strategic approach to China, security minister says
- Yang Tengbo issues statement denying spying allegations
- British Company founded by Yang Tengbo issues statement
- Alleged Chinese spy named
- Chinese spy allegations ‘tip of the iceberg’, Ian Duncan Smith says
ICYMI: Yang Tengbo was not a lone wolf, Ian Duncan Smith says
20:29
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Iain Duncan Smith said Yang Tengbo “was not a lone wolf”.
“He was one of some 40,000 members of the United Works Department, which the intelligence security committee report last year said and I quote ‘are known to government, had penetrated every sector of the UK economy, spying, stealing intellectual property, influencing and shaping our institutions,” he told the Commons.
The former Conservative leader continued: “Will the Government commit to putting China now in the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme (Firs)? And will they do it now, no more delay, there is no need for delay... China is our most prominent security threat and all action must take priority.”
“Far from challenging China on human rights, it appears we are turning a blind eye to them. Why is that?”
Full report: Chinese alleged spy’s identity revealed as MPs raise fears over Beijing’s reach in Britain
19:58
Jabed Ahmed
Yang Tengbo’s consultancy firm helped broker Prince Andrews’ former school expansion into China
19:29
Jabed Ahmed
Top UK boarding school Gordonstoun – where King Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Phillip were educated – signed a deal with the alleged Chinese spy’s firm to open campuses in China.
Gordonstoun entered a partnership with the Hampton Group, a consultancy firm run by Yang Tengbo, to open up to five schools in China and Hong Kong.
A statement issued by the school in 2019 said: “In an important moment in Gordonstoun’s history, the first Gordonstoun school in China which is expected to open in 2022 has been announced. The location of the first school will be announced soon and will be chosen to enable access to green spaces and the sea both key features of a Gordonstoun education.
“This is part of a long-term multi-school agreement with Hampton Group, a specialist in fostering closer bonds between the UK and China.”
It added: “In the Hampton Group, we feel that we have found the right partner to help us introduce the unique Gordonstoun approach to China. Their commitment to character development in education shone through from the first meeting and we have been encouraged by all we have seen and heard from them in the intervening months.”
The Chinese school was initially earmarked to open in 2022, but the project was stalled due to the pandemic.
The Hampton Group, a British company founded by Yang Tengbo, provides consulting and events services to British and Chinese companies. Tengbo is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the UK business, the company said.
18:58
Jabed Ahmed
The foreign secretary has said he is content “the system” had acted “appropriately” in response to allegations about Chinese spies.
Discussing wider allegations about Chinese attempts to spy on the UK, he told a press conference in London: “This is an issue I raised when I was in Beijing.
“I am content that the system, in response to what we have found, has acted appropriately on behalf of the British people.”
Profile: Who is Yang Tengbo? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
18:36
Jabed Ahmed
Lammy: China among the states that pose a threat to UK
18:18
Jabed Ahmed
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Yang Tengbo’s case “does not exist, sadly, in a vacuum” and China was among the states that pose a “threat” to the UK.
At a press conference in London, Mr Lammy said: “On China, I welcome the court’s decision to uphold the Home Office’s position on Yang’s exclusion.
“And where individuals pose a threat, as you would expect, the UK Government is absolutely committed to using the full range of powers available to disrupt them.
“I raised these issues when I was in Beijing a few weeks ago.
“This case does not exist, sadly, in a vacuum. The UK is in the most complex threat environment that we’ve seen for a very significant time, including terrorism and states – including China, Iran and Russia – that pose a threat to us.
“Six individuals have been charged under our National Security Act to date. So we recognise the threat, we’ve raised it with the Chinese government, and we will act wherever we need to.”
Full report: Prince Andrew pulls out of royal Christmas celebrations amid Chinese spy scandal
17:59
Jabed Ahmed
EU sues UK over post-Brexit freedom of movement failures in blow to Starmer’s reset
17:37
Jabed Ahmed
Scheme to protect UK from covert foreign influence to begin summer 2025, minister says
17:19
Jabed Ahmed
A scheme designed to protect the UK from covert foreign influence will commence in summer 2025, according to the Government.
The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs) was initially expected to come into force in 2024, but in August the new Labour Government confirmed a delay to its implementation.
Security minister Dan Jarvis said the Government now plans to lay the regulations in Parliament in the new year and they will take effect from the summer.
Firs is designed to combat clandestine political activity by foreign agents in the UK.
The scheme would require individuals to disclose who they are in an arrangement with, what activity they have been directed to undertake, and when the arrangement was made.
The enhanced tier gives ministers the power to require registration of a broader range of activities for specified countries, parts of countries or foreign government-controlled entities “where this is necessary to protect the safety of interests of the UK”, according to the Home Office.
Prince Andrew to step away from King’s private Norfolk residence
17:00
Jabed Ahmed
It is understood Andrew will stay away from the King’s private Norfolk residence after the controversy surrounding alleged Chinese spy Yang Tengbo, who was banned from the UK and had forged links to the Duke of York.
It is not yet known whether the duke will attend Charles’s traditional pre-Christmas lunch for the extended family on Thursday, which is expected to be held at Buckingham Palace.
Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie had already planned to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws this year for the first time.
Watchdog probe urged into alleged Chinese spy linked to Duke of York
16:34
Jabed Ahmed
A spy watchdog has been urged at Westminster to investigate an alleged Chinese secret agent linked to the Duke of York and other espionage claims levelled at Beijing.
Speaking in Parliament, as peers approved nominations for the ISC, which oversees the work of the UK’s spy agencies, Labour former minister Lord Foulkes of Cumnock said: “I wonder if it would be appropriate at this time to ask if it would be possible for the Intelligence and Security Committee to conduct an investigation into H6 and all the allegations of spying from China?”
Responding, leader of the Lords Baroness Smith of Basildon, said: “I don’t think it’s for the Lord Privy Seal to instruct the Intelligence and Security Committee on their business or how they conduct it but I am sure they will have taken note of the reports and are fully aware of the situation and will do whatever is appropriate.”
Lee Anderson thinks Yang Tengbo name was previously withheld ‘to avoid embarrassment’, although it was a court order
16:30
Jabed Ahmed
Lee Anderson, the Reform MP for Ashfield, said: “Yang Tengbo is the alleged Chinese spy who has been stalking the corridors of power in our country and rubbing shoulders with royalty, prime ministers and business leaders. Yet his name has been withheld from the Great British public.
“Does the minister agree with me that it was only withheld to avoid embarrassment for previous Prime Ministers and business leaders and was not in the best interests of the British public?”
Dan Jarvis, the security minister, responded: “Well, I’m sure the honourable member will acknowledge that I named H6, the individual, that his reason for his original anonymity was as a result of a court order, and was not a decision by the UK Government.”
The prime minister has full confidence in the British courts, Downing Street says
16:17
Jabed Ahmed
The prime minister has full confidence in the British courts, No 10 signalled, after an alleged Chinese spy said he was a victim of a political climate which had seen a rise in tensions between the UK and China.
Asked whether the Prime Minister believed the High Court had been influenced by political tensions when it lifted the anonymity order for Yang Tengbo, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “No”.
“We respect the independence of our courts and, as I say, the first duty of every Government is national security, and we welcome the court’s decision to uphold the Home Office’s position in relation to the exclusion of this individual.”
Asked whether he believed the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) was fair, the spokesman said: “Of course, and we obviously welcome the court’s decision to uphold the Home Office’s position in relation to the exclusion of this individual, as the minister has just said in the House.
“More broadly wherever there are individuals who pose a threat to our national security we will use the full range of powers available to disrupt them.”
Labour remind Tories of questionable Tory record on China
16:04
David Maddox
Former political journalist turned Labour MP Paul Waugh remembers that in his previous career, Theresa May as prime minister was praised for sidestepping human rights issues on a trip to China.
Waugh was a journalist on the aeroplane with Baroness May at the time.
Earlier, minister Dan Jarvis pointed out that David Cameron as Tory prime minister took President Xi Jinping to the pub on a visit to the UK.
The attacks underline a problem the Tories have in trying to attack Labour now when Labour is in effect following the same policy as their predecessors.
Mr Jarvis suggests the Tories approach the subject “with humility”.
Chris Phillip: Chinese infiltration of public organisations is of grave concern
16:02
Jabed Ahmed
Shadow home secretary Chris Phillip told the Commons: “Chinese infiltration of public organisations is of grave concern but it’s not just public organisations such as government. It’s also businesses and universities that are being systemically infiltrated and often intellectual property theft is at the heart of what the Chinese Government is trying to achieve.”
He added: The opposition will fully support the Government in working to secure our nation’s safety but in that spirit I would just ask one or two questions.
“Firstly, would he consider expediting the implementation of the foreign influence registration scheme that he referred to, and can I echo my Rt Hon friend the Member for Chingford and Woodford Green’s suggestion that China is placed in the enhanced deal of that?
“Secondly, will the security minister review the wisdom of the Government’s approach to China? Given what we’ve learnt and what we know, these very close relations that the Prime Minister are attempting may not be wise and the rather sycophantic approach the Prime Minister took with President Xi a few weeks ago may not be very wise in light of what we now know.”
Security minister Dan Jarvis responded: “He asked me again about Firs. I hope I’ve been able to provide some reassurance in terms of the Government’s intention to lay the regulations as soon as practically possible in the new year with a view to having the scheme up and running by the summer.
“In terms of the approach to China, I don’t agree with his characterisation of the Prime Minister’s recent meeting and I will just say very gently to him, at least he didn’t take him to the pub for a pint.”
Yang Tengbo was not a lone wolf, Ian Duncan Smith says
15:56
Jabed Ahmed
Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said Yang Tengbo “was not a lone wolf”.
“He was one of some 40,000 members of the United Works Department, which the intelligence security committee report last year said and I quote ‘are known to government, had penetrated every sector of the UK economy, spying, stealing intellectual property, influencing and shaping our institutions,” he told the Commons
The former Conservative leader continued: “Will the Government commit to putting China now in the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme (Firs)? And will they do it now, no more delay, there is no need for delay... China is our most prominent security threat and all action must take priority.”
“Far from challenging China on human rights, it appears we are turning a blind eye to them. Why is that?”
15:54
Jabed Ahmed
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle chides the government for not offering a statement to the House and instead being forced to respond to Sir Iain Duncan Smith’s urgent question.
The failure to come forward with a statement gives the impression that the government does not want to be forthcoming on the issue.
It underlines that Labour feel uncomfortable with the tightrope they are trying to walk on diplomacy with China.
UK will have consistent and strategic approach to China, security minister says
15:53
Jabed Ahmed
Security minister Dan Jarvis has insisted the UK’s approach to China will be “consistent and strategic”.
“We will challenge where we must in order to keep our country safe, compete where we need to and cooperate where we can, for example on matters like climate change,” he said.
“That is acting in the national interest and the Prime Minister reiterated this earlier today.
“However, the breadth of the threats we face from foreign states are pernicious and complex and the work of our intelligence agencies is unrivalled in mitigating them and I want to take this opportunity today in paying tribute to them and the work they do in keeping our country safe.”
He added: “When the UK’s national security is at risk, we will not hesitate to use every tool at our disposal to keep our country safe.”
Profile: Who is Yang Tengbo? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
15:46
Jabed Ahmed
Chinese spy not in a vacuum, says minister
15:42
David Maddox
Security minister Dan Jarvis emphasises that the Chinese spy case “does not exist in a vacuum.”
Quoting the head of MI6 he reminds MPs that the UK is facing hostile acts from China, Russia and Iran.
He makes it clear that the row does not change the position of China. Claims it will be “robust where we need to” but does not rule out all cooperation.
It is a response which will not satisfy those who believe China is a threat at all levels.
Pictured: Yang Tengbo and Prince Andrew
15:41
Jabed Ahmed
Watch: Alleged spy Yang Tengbo appears on Chinese state TV alongside portraits of British PMs
15:40
Jabed Ahmed
Yang Tengbo’s consultancy firm helped broker Prince Andrews’ former school expansion into China
15:37
Jabed Ahmed
Top British boarding school Gordonstoun – where King Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Phillip were educated – signed a deal with the alleged Chinese spy’s firm to open campuses in China.
Gordonstoun entered a partnership with the Hampton Group, a consultancy firm run by Yang Tengbo, to open up to five schools in China and Hong Kong.
A statement issued by the school in 2019 said: “In an important moment in Gordonstoun’s history, the first Gordonstoun school in China which is expected to open in 2022 has been announced. The location of the first school will be announced soon and will be chosen to enable access to green spaces and the sea both key features of a Gordonstoun education.
“This is part of a long-term multi-school agreement with Hampton Group, a specialist in fostering closer bonds between the UK and China.”
It added: “In the Hampton Group, we feel that we have found the right partner to help us introduce the unique Gordonstoun approach to China. Their commitment to character development in education shone through from the first meeting and we have been encouraged by all we have seen and heard from them in the intervening months.”
The Chinese school was initially earmarked to open in 2022, but the project was stalled due to the pandemic.
The Hampton Group, a British company founded by Yang Tengbo, provides consulting and events services to British and Chinese companies. Tengbo is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the UK business, the company said.
What happens next?
15:17
Jabed Ahmed
We are shortly expecting former Conservative leader Ian Duncan Smith to ask an urgent question in the House of Commons on China's influence in the wake of the alleged spy scandal.
The question reads “to ask the Home Secretary if she will make a statement on the extent of United Front Work Department operations within the UK”.
Our political editor David Maddox will be watching and providing updates right here.
British Company founded by Yang Tengbo issues statement
15:15
Jabed Ahmed
The Hampton Group, a British company founded by Yang Tengbo, has issued a statement following the high court ruling.
The statement read: "Hampton Group is a British company employing a small number of British and Chinese nationals with the right to work in the UK. The company operates to high standards of governance and compliance according to international best practices. We pay tax in the UK and are proud to have made a positive impact on the UK economy through our work.
"Neither Hampton Group or any of its staff or associates have ever been involved in any covert intelligence gathering on behalf of the Chinese Government, or any other state. Hampton Group in the UK will continue to support its clients, helping them to achieve their commercial goals."
The Hampton Group provides consulting and events services to British and Chinese companies. Tengbo is not involved in the day-to-day operations of the UK business, the company said.
Farage claims pressure from Reform Uk prompted judges ruliing
15:10
Jabed Ahmed
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed victory after the alleged Chinese spy was named.
He wrote on X: “I am pleased that pressure by Reform over the last 48 hours has now led to this man being named. The public deserve to know.”
Keir Starmer set for tough questions over defence spending as Estonia suggests ‘security tax’
14:57
Jabed Ahmed
Read the full report from our Political Correspondent Millie Cooke at the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) conference in Estonia:
Yang Tengbo statement in full: Suspected Chinese spy breaks silence after being named at heart of scandal
14:42
Jabed Ahmed
Inside the court room as alleged Chinese spy is named
14:41
Holly Evans, at the Royal Courts of Justice
In a short court hearing that lasted less than 30 minutes, a judge ruled that an order preventing the identity of businessman Yang Tengbo from being reported should be lifted.
Previously only known as H6, Mr Tengbo is facing allegations of being a Chinese spy who had ingratiated himself with senior Establishment figures, including Prince Andrew.
Given that he has been banned from entering the UK, the only people present at the hearing were his legal team, headed by Guy Vassall-Adams KC, a barrister for the Home Office and another lawyer for the media.
Around 15 journalists from a number of different publications were also present, after the identity of Tengbo and his relationship to the Duke of York dominated headlines over the weekend.
Yang Tengbo issues statement denying spying allegations
14:27
Jabed Ahmed
Yang Tengbo, the alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York, said he has “done nothing wrong or unlawful”, adding in a statement that the “widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue”.
“Due to the high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere, I have asked my legal team to disclose my identity,” the statement said.
“I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue.
“This is why I applied for a review of the Home Office decision in the first place, and why I am seeking permission to appeal the SIAC decision. It is also why an order extending my anonymity up to the point of determination of the appeal process was granted.
“I have been excluded from seeing most of the evidence that was used against me under a process which is widely acknowledged by SIAC practitioners as inherently unfair: decisions are made based on secret evidence and closed proceedings, which has been described as “taking blind shots at a hidden target”.
“On their own fact finding, even the three judges in this case concluded that there was ‘not an abundance of evidence’ against me, their decision was ‘finely balanced’, and there could be an ‘innocent explanation’ for my activities. This has not been reported in the media.
“The political climate has changed, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to this. When relations are good, and Chinese investment is sought, I am welcome in the UK. When relations sour, an anti-China stance is taken, and I am excluded.
“I am an independent self-made entrepreneur and I have always aimed to foster partnerships and build bridges between East and West. I have dedicated my professional life in the UK to building links between British and Chinese businesses. My activities have played a part in bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the UK.
“I built my private life in the UK over two decades and love the country as my second home. I would never do anything to harm the interests of the UK.”
Full report: ‘Chinese spy’ at heart of Prince Andrew scandal named
14:22
Jabed Ahmed
Judge gives order naming suspect
14:17
Jabed Ahmed
Giving his judgments, Mr Justice Chamberlain told the court: "Since our order on the 11th of December there has been extensive press reporting in this jurisdiction and abroad. Some reporting on social media has named the claimant and there has been some suggestion that the claimant may be named in Parliament.
He continued: “I now discharge those parts of this order. This means the claimant’s name Tengbo Yang can be reported in public in connection with these proceedings.”
Alleged Chinese spy named
14:12
Jabed Ahmed
An alleged Chinese spy banned from the UK and linked to the Duke of York can now be named as Yang Tengbo, a High Court judge has ruled.
Suspect’s lawyer says client wishes to set aside the anonymity order
14:08
Jabed Ahmed
Speaking on behalf of the businessman known only as H6, his barrister Guy Vassall-Adams KC said that his client wished to set aside the anonymity order.
“My lord following the judgement last Thursday, there has been an enormous amount of media reporting in relation to this story, in particular the relationship between my client H6 and Prince Andrew as well as a huge amount of speculation to the identity of my client,” he said.
He added that there had been some publication to the identity, as well as threats “from different quarters” to identify his client using parliamentary privilege.
“My client wishes to make a public statement and is applying for last Wednesday's order to be discharged,” he said.
Hearing begins for suspected agent H6 linked to Prince Andrew
14:03
Jabed Ahmed
The hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice has begun where lawyers acting for H6, the alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew, will shortly ask the court to allow the spy to be named.
Among those inside the room is The Independent's Holly Evans, who will be bringing you the latest updates.
The suspect is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.
Watch: Starmer admits concerns about China amid Chinese spy allegations
13:59
Jabed Ahmed
Why the alleged Chinese spy with ties to Andrew cannot be named as Farage threatens to unmask him
13:49
Jabed Ahmed
A judge will consider naming an alleged Chinese spy who was able to form links at the heart of the British establishment.
An urgent hearing is taking place at the Royal Courts of Justice today at 2pm where a judge is expected to review whether the suspect can be named.
Here is why the suspect cannot be named:
Who is H6? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
13:38
Jabed Ahmed
Minister will be forced to answer questions on Chinese spy allegations
13:29
Jabed Ahmed
A minister will be forced to respond to questions from MPs in the wake of the Chinese spy allegations.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has been granted an urgent question in the Commons on the “extent of United Front Work Department operations in the UK”.
The urgent question follows revelations about an alleged Chinese agent known as H6 forging links at the heart of the British establishment, including with the Duke of York.
Downing Street refuses to say if Starmer met with alleged Chinese spy
13:19
Jabed Ahmed
Downing Street would not say whether the Prime Minister or other ministers had met with an alleged Chinese spy.
“I can’t comment on intelligence or security cases like this, it is a live legal case,” The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told reporters.
Asked whether ministers have spoken to Chinese government figures about the case, the spokesman said that “ministers and officials engage with China the whole time”, and would “always take an approach to China that is rooted in UK interests”.
The spokesman did not say whether the Prime Minister would support attempts to name the Chinese spy in the Commons, only saying that the legal case was a matter for the courts and that “everyone should be careful and do nothing which could undermine the case in question”.
On the future of the scheme designed to register foreign agents, the spokesman said: “The Government is working at pace to implement the foreign influence registration scheme. I’m not going to get ahead of that work, but any announcement would be made in the usual way.”
Judge to consider naming suspected agent linked to Prince Andrew
13:06
Jabed Ahmed
A judge will consider naming an alleged Chinese spy who was able to form links at the heart of the British establishment.
The suspect, known only as H6, is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.
They remain anonymous - although an urgent hearing is taking place at the Royal Courts of Justice today at 2pm where a judge is expected to review whether the suspect can be named.
Who is H6? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
12:30
Alexander Butler
Pictured: Prince Andrew amid spy allegations
12:00
Alexander Butler
Prince Andrew has been pictured driving from Royal Lodge in Windsor after it emerged his close confidant was an alleged Chinese spy.
The businessman, who liked to divide his time between China and UK – calling it his “second home” – had previously been granted indefinite leave to remain in Britain where he established himself as a close confidant of the Duke of York.
He is said to have used his high profile connection to secure invitations to Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, with fresh reports now alleging he also met two former prime ministers.
Watch: Starmer admits concerns about China amid Chinese spy allegations
11:38
Alexander Butler
Starmer admits China concerns
11:34
Alexander Butler
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he is concerned about the risk China poses to the UK amid allegations a Chinese spy was operating at the heart of Britain.
The prime minister did not comment on the claim the Chinese businessman, codenamed H6, was a close confidant of Prince Andrew.
Asked about the case which became public on Friday, Sir Keir said: “Of course we are concerned about the challenge that China poses.
“Our approach is one of engagement, of co-operating where we need to co-operate, particularly on issues like climate change.
[We will] challenge where we must and where we should, particularly on issues like human rights and to compete when it comes to trade. That’s the strategic approach that we have set out as a UK Government.”
Concerning ‘Chinese spy’ able to slip through net, MP says
10:51
Alexander Butler
A minister admitted it is a “concern” that an alleged Chinese spy was able to “slip through the net” to form links at the heart of the British establishment.
The suspect, known only as H6, is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including David Cameron and Theresa May.
MPs could seek to use parliamentary privilege to reveal H6’s identity, but government minister Jim McMahon said the legal protection offered to parliamentarians should be used with caution.
Local government minister Mr McMahon told Times Radio: “It’s a concern for all of us that work in Parliament, that the trust has been breached in the way that it has, and that somebody has been found to slip through the net.
“That clearly is a concern. Whether or not that requires somebody being named in Parliament under parliamentary privilege, I think, is a separate matter.”
Why the alleged Chinese spy with ties to Andrew cannot be named as Farage threatens to unmask him
10:45
Alexander Butler
Who is H6? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
09:59
Alexander Butler
The Chinese ‘spy’ cosying up to Prince Andrew is part of a much more dangerous game
09:13
Alexander Butler
China’s espionage network is assiduously preparing the ground – not to strike at the United Kingdom, but to ensure its passivity in the event of war against the United States, writes Michael Sheridan
Nigel Farage refuses to take ‘woke’ anti-bullying training for MPs
09:04
Alexander Butler
‘Nothing wrong’ with foreign influence registration scheme
08:54
Alexander Butler
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said there is “nothing wrong” with the foreign influence registration scheme (Firs), which would require individuals to disclose who they are in an arrangement with, what activity they have been directed to undertake, and when the arrangement was made.
Responding to a comment from a Home Office source, who told the Guardian that the Conservatives had not left the scheme in a fit state to be enacted but that it is still the Government’s intention for it come into force, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is nothing wrong with the foreign influence registration scheme.
“‘It’s not fit for purpose’, I don’t believe a word of that, nobody with half a brain will believe a word of that. The reality is, it’s an excuse not to upset China.
“We are now seen, I think, by our five eyes security partners, as the soft underbelly of that alliance and that’s a real worry.”
‘Many more’ Chinese spies in UK, MP says
08:11
Alexander Butler
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said there are “many, many more” like H6, the alleged Chinese spy, in the UK.
The MP is applying for an urgent question in the Commons on the influence of Beijing’s shadowy United Front Work Department, the group said to be associated with the unnamed man.
He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “We’re dealing with the tip of the iceberg. The fact is there are many more like him (H6) in the UK.
“There are many more doing the job that he’s been doing, and the fact he was leaving the UK tells you that he realised at some point he was going to get caught.
“The reality is that there are many, many more involved in exactly this kind of espionage that’s taking place. The reality for us is very simple - China is a very clear threat.”
Chinese spy allegations ‘tip of the iceberg’, MP says
07:59
Alexander Butler
Former security minister Tom Tugendhat has said that allegations that a Chinese spy became close to the Duke of York are the “tip of the iceberg”.
After reports that the alleged spy had met Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May, Mr Tugendhat was asked on BBC Breakfast how worried he was that Chinese spies had got within reach of senior Tories during his time in government.
The Conservative MP said: “I’m sure it’s happening now. I’m absolutely certain that there are members of the United Front Work Department who are active right now in attempting to influence journalism, academics, politics, and the whole lot. This is really the tip of the iceberg.
“And so the story I can understand why it’s been about Prince Andrew, but it’s not really about Prince Andrew. It’s about the way the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to exert influence here in the United Kingdom.”
He did not say whether he thought the alleged spy should be named in Parliament, saying instead that the important thing was to understand the level of threat and respond to it.
He urged the Government to introduce the foreign influence registration scheme and put China on the enhanced tier of it.
Pressure grows on government as MPs demand answers on Prince Andrew ‘Chinese spy’
Sunday 15 December 2024 23:57
Alex Croft
Ministers are under increasing pressure to act after an alleged Chinese spy became a close confidant of the Duke of York and reportedly met two former prime ministers, as MPs threatened to name him if the courts do not.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused a “weak” Labour government of not wanting to be seen to criticise China, while the shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said the public deserved to know the “full facts” behind the case, warning “we cannot turn a blind eye”.
Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, said the courts should name him. “The spy should be named – I hope the court change or cancel their anonymity order. There may be other people who have had contact with that person,” he said.
As calls mounted, Lord Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong accused the government of being “too soft” on China and urged ministers to set out a “pretty clear statement” on their policy towards the state. The demands came as home secretary Yvette Cooper claimed the government’s approach was “complex” because Britain needed to have economic cooperation with China – even as she warned the communist state the UK would take a “very strong approach” to national security.
Our Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports: