Partner of UK MP arrested on suspicion of spying for China, BBC told
Posted on: Mar 04, 2026 18:37 IST | Posted by: Bbc
i of deuce-ace men arrested on suspiciousness of undercover work for China is the partner of a Labour MP, the BBC has been told.
The men, aged 39, 43 and 68, were arrested in London and Wales as part of a counter-terrorism policing investigation under the National Security Act, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.
There is no "imminent or direct threat to the public", the Met added, and all three suspects are being held in custody.
Speaking in the Commons after the arrests, security minister Dan Jarvis said the UK would not "trade of security for economic access".
As part of the investigation, searches were carried out at locations in London, East Kilbride and Cardiff.
The men have been accused by officers of assisting a foreign intelligence service under section three of the National Security Act, which was introduced in 2023 to target suspects accused of working against UK interests.
An offence is committed if someone is found to have carried out an act to "materially assist a foreign intelligence service in carrying out UK-related activities", or in conduct likely to assist that service.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the force had seen a "significant increase" in national security casework in recent years, but officers were working to "disrupt malign activity where we suspect it".
Jarvis said if Chinese interference in UK sovereign affairs were proven, "severe consequences" would be imposed.
"This government stands resolute in our resolve to counter foreign interference activity targeting the UK from any state actor," he told MPs.
British officials had informed Chinese counterparts in London and Beijing about the allegations, he added.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.