Tory minister likened to Bernard Manning over ‘little man in China’ comment

Mark Spencer’s comments branded ignorant and ‘outrageous’

Defra minister Mark Spencer has come under fire for suggesting there could be ‘some little man in China’ eavesdropping on his private conversations (James Manning/PA) (PA Wire)

A government minister has been criticised after he suggested that "some little man in China" could be eavesdropping on his private conversations.

The comments by Mark Spencer came during a discussion about government security breaches – and were branded "outrageous" by opposition MPs.

Shadow ministers accused Mr Spencer of using "outrageous and reckless language", and showing his "ignorance, on many levels".

And SNP MP David Linden joked: "I was unaware that Bernard Manning had been promoted to Government" – referring to the late right-wing comedian who used racist language about ethnic minorities.

Questioned about ministers using their personal mobile phones during a round of broadcast interviews, Mr Spencer, a former chief whip who is now a minister at the environment department, said:

"We all talk on personal phones, don't we? I ring my wife, maybe there's some little man in China listening to the conversations between me and my wife.

"But, you know, you've just got to be careful about what information you use on which phone and you get a lot of help and support from the security services on that."

Mr Spencer's comments raised eyebrows in Westminster because earlier this year he was accused of making Islamophobic comments by a fellow Tory MP – though he says the claims were "completely false".

Responding to the minister’s comments, Labour shadow justice minister Mr Khan said: “Outrageous and reckless language used here.

"Given Mark Spencer’s history of Islamophobia, really makes you wonder why he was ever promoted."

Meanwhile shadow faith minister Ms Owen said Mr Spencer was "once again showing his ignorance, on many levels".

The minister was fielding questions about the use of personal mobile phones for government business – sparked by questions about the conduct of Home Secretary Suella Braverman and the targeting of Liz Truss’s mobile phone by hackers.