Chinese spies 'bugging pubs and park benches close to the Commons'

CHINA is spying on UK politicians by bugging pubs, park benches and buildings in Whitehall, security sources believe.

- By Katie Harris Senior Political Correspondent

Officials holding sensitive positions in Westminster have been warned about hotspots in London's SW1 area including the historic Red Lion, which is often frequented by MPs, five-star hotels such as Raffles, and St James's Park, which is next to Downing Street, the Foreign Office and Treasury.

A source told a Sunday newspaper: “We have been told the Chinese literally have the park bugged, with devices in the bushes and under park benches.” Targets are said to include junior staffers who work for MPs.

The source said: “Commons researchers are regarded by the Chinese and other spies including the Russians and Iranians as the soft underbelly of Whitehall.”