Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Watch as Rishi Sunak faces questions on China spy accusations after G20 summit

Holly Patrick
Monday 11 September 2023 14:35 BST
Comments

Rishi Sunak followed Sir Lindsay Hoyle and his deputy Oliver Dowden in making statements after a parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.

The man, who has not identified himself, has released a statement through his lawyers in which he denies being a "Chinese spy," adding that he has spent his career trying to “educate others” about the “threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party”.

“To do what has been claimed against me in extravagant news reporting would be against everything I stand for," the man said.

The Sunday Times revealed that the Briton was arrested along with another man by officers on suspicion of spying for Beijing.

Following the arrest under the Official Secrets Act on 13 March, on Sunday (10 September) Rishi Sunak confronted Chinese premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit in India over “unacceptable” interference in democracy.

The Official Secrets Act punishes offences that are said to be “prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in