Cleverly refuses to say if he broached Commons spy claim in China talks

‘People said we should disengage from China, not a credible option’

- Martyn Brown

JAMES Cleverly has refused to say if he spoke to the Chinese government about a researcher in Parliament who was arrested on suspicion of spying for the Communist superpower.

The Foreign Secretary, asked if he raised the allegations on his recent visit to Beijing, told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "We do not comment on intelligence or securityrelated matters.

"The Prime Minister is absolutely right that both he and I raised with the Chinese authorities their actions, which are seeking to undermine or distort our democracy." Public confirmation of the arrest came only weeks after Mr Cleverly became the first Foreign Secretary in five years to visit China amid efforts to develop more pragmatic ties.