Lammy's 'bowing to China on spies'

FOREIGN Secretary David Lammy has been accused of “bowing” to Beijing after it escaped being placed alongside Russia and Iran in a new register that tracks foreign agents.

- By Richard Ashmore

Despite Foreign Office fears of espionage, the Home Office has left China out of its Foreign Influence Registration Scheme top tier.

Agents of foreign states must register in the UK — but only those of Russia and Iran were deemed the most “serious threat” and face more checks.

Failing to do so can mean two years in jail or five for agents of nations in the enhanced tier.