Revelations of Chinese espionage rock British Parliament

9/11/23

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from The Washington Post,
9/11/23:

British politicians were asking for answers on Monday after it was revealed that two men — one working as a researcher in Parliament — were arrested in March on suspicion of spying for China.

A researcher, who worked directly with top lawmakers in the Conservative Party in government, said through his lawyers, “I am completely innocent.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that two men, one in his 20s and another in his 30s, were arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act.

The police did not release names, as is custom here, as neither suspect has been charged. Both were given bail until October. They are being investigated by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage inquiries.

The arrests were reported over the weekend by the Sunday Times of London, which said the younger man worked as a researcher for senior lawmakers from the Conservative Party in the British Parliament, and so would have full access to the Houses of Commons and Lords, as do staff and journalists.

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