I'm not a Chinese spy, says researcher linked to senior MPs

Sign up to receive the email View from Westminster for expert analysis straight to your inbox Receive our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address I would like to receive offers, events and updates by email day from The Independent. Read our privacy notice{{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later.{{ /verifyErrors }}

A Commons researcher arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing has insisted he is "completely innocent", saying he had attempted to warn others of the threats posed by China.

In an extraordinary statement, the parliamentary aide, who has worked closely with senior Tory figures, said the allegations would be "contrary to everything I stand for".

“I have spent my career thus far trying to educate others about the challenge and threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party,” he said in a statement. his lawyers.

The comments come as pressure mounts on Rishi Sunak following allegations of an attack on the heart of British democracy, with the government signaling a potential crackdown on Chinese influence.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has described China as the “No. 1 state threat” to the UK, a shift in position. He also told MPs there was a “strong case” for increased scrutiny of the activities of those working for China.

It emerged that:

It emerged that the alleged spy was being investigated for access to official warnings to MPs about state threats hostiles, among other problems, according to security services. An influential group of MPs cited the aide as an expert in an official report, The Independent can revealA photo of him inside Parliament with Alicia Kearns, the Conservative MP who chairs the committee Foreign Affairs. Conservative MPs accused the government of a lack of “urgency”. 'Facing China threat' Mr Sunak and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly have faced growing questions, including within their own party, over when they became aware of the spying allegations. .