We will not tolerate China interference, says minister

SECURITY minister Dan Jarvis has said the Government will not tolerate "covert and calculated" attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs after an MI5 warning over spy threats.

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MPs, peers and parliamentary staff were warned by the security service over suspected Chinese espionage via recruitment headhunters on Tuesday.

Mr Jarvis told the House of Commons that MI5 has said China is attempting to "recruit and cultivate" individuals with access to sensitive information about Parliament and the UK Government, often masked through cover companies and headhunters.

He added: "This activity involves a covert and calculated attempt by a foreign power to interfere with our sovereign affairs in favour of its own interests, and this Government will not tolerate it."