Counter-terrorism police have arrested three men on suspicion of spying for China, with one of those detained understood to be the partner of a sitting Labour MP, according to the BBC.
The arrests, which took place across London and Wales, were carried out under the National Security Act as part of a Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism investigation. The three men, aged 39, 43 and 68, are all currently being held in custody. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers conducted searches at the properties where each of the men was arrested, with additional searches also carried out at locations in London, East Kilbride and Cardiff.
The force moved to reassure the public in a statement, confirming there was no “imminent or direct threat” to public safety as a result of the investigation.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, acknowledged that the volume of national security casework had grown considerably in recent years. “We have seen a significant increase in national security casework in recent years,” she said, adding that officers were working actively to “disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.”
The revelation that one of those arrested is linked to a Labour MP is expected to prompt significant political scrutiny, raising questions about the reach of alleged Chinese intelligence activity and its proximity to British political figures. The identity of the MP has not been confirmed, and no suggestion has been made that the MP themselves is under investigation.
The arrests represent the latest in a series of cases brought under the National Security Act, legislation introduced in recent years specifically to address the growing threat of state-sponsored espionage and foreign interference in the United Kingdom. China has consistently denied conducting espionage operations in Britain.
The Metropolitan Police has not yet provided further details on the precise nature of the allegations against the three men or the timeline of the investigation. Further developments in the case are expected as the investigation continues.
