British Intelligence Service MI5 Warns Politicians To Be Spy Targets

JAKARTA - Britain's domestic intelligence agency MI5 issued a rare public warning to lawmakers on Monday that it was a spy target from China, Russia, and Iran in an effort to undermine the country's democracy.

The warning comes a week after prosecutors said they should cancel the trial of two British men charged with spying on lawmakers for China, as the UK Government does not provide evidence indicating China is a threat to its national security.

MI5 warned politicians and its staff to be aware of spies trying to get information from them through blackmail or phishing attacks, establish long-term and in-depth relationships with them, or make donations to influence their decisions.

"When foreign countries steal important British information or manipulate our democratic process, they not only undermine our security in the short term, but also erode our sovereign foundation," MI5 Director General Ken McCallum said.

MI5 urges politicians to "supervise odd social interactions", including requests for frequent private gatherings, and be careful if there is "broad touch".

In a statement accompanying advice to lawmakers, McCallum said: "Everyone who reads this guide really cares about their role in British democracy. Take action today to protect it - and yourself."

In January 2022, MI5 sent a warning notification about lawyer Christine Lee, who accused her of being "engaged in political intervention activities" in Britain on behalf of the ruling Chinese Communist Party.

The warning was circulated to lawmakers by the People's Council Speaker, who said MI5 had found Lee had "facilitated financial donations to lawmakers who were in office and prospective lawmakers on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and China".

Lee then sued MI5 in an attempt to clear his name, but lost the case.

Although British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been trying to disburse ties with China since taking office last year, London and Beijing have repeatedly accused each other of spying, with Britain's security agency warning of China's attempts to infiltrate its political and business communities.

In a recently canceled trial case, the Chinese Embassy in London stated: "We have emphasized from the start that allegations about China instructing relevant British individuals to 'steal British intelligence' are completely fabricated and malicious slander, which we firmly reject."