Uproar in London after the arrest of an alleged spy for China

The parliamentary researcher said in a statement issued through his lawyer: “I feel compelled to respond to the false allegations in the media that I am a Chinese spy.” “It is not normal for me to have to respond to incorrect reports. But what was written is not true. It is very important for me to know that I am completely innocent.” The lawyers’ statement did not mention the man’s identity. The researcher was mainly interested in international politics. He had access to the highest levels and worked with Security Minister Tom Tugendhat while he was still an MP and with the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alicia Cairns.

In any case, the spying allegations come at a very inappropriate time for China, as the British government is trying to improve relations with China. Just last month, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly traveled to the Chinese capital, Beijing, to smooth over wrinkles between London and Beijing. Last weekend, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed the issue with his Chinese colleague Li Qiang following the G20 summit in India.

This issue raises a dispute in British politics about how to deal with China. Even within Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, not everyone is on the same page. According to Trade Minister Kemi Badenoch, China is not an enemy but a challenge, and according to former party leader Iain Duncan Smith, a real dialogue with China is not possible.

House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said today that his services are looking at the issue closely. In a statement in the House of Commons, he said: “I would like to assure members of Parliament that we are following the same investigative procedures as the government, and working in co-operation with all relevant services.”