China has targeted a group of MPs and peers at Westminster in a string of cyber-attacks, raising concerns about foreign interference in the UK’s democratic system. The deputy prime minister, Oliver Dowden, is expected to inform parliament of the attacks, while members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (Ipac) have been called to attend a security briefing.
Former Tory education minister Tim Loughton, cross-bench peer Lord Alton of Liverpool, and Scottish National Party MP Stewart McDonald are among those targeted by the cyber-attacks. These individuals are known for their scrutiny of Beijing’s actions and are part of a group that monitors and scrutinizes China.
Foreign secretary David Cameron is set to hold a meeting to discuss China and security with the 1922 Committee, as concerns grow about Chinese state-sponsored cyber-attacks on foreign politicians. The Defending Democracy taskforce, a ministerial committee that monitors threats to the UK’s elections and democratic system, is expected to provide an update on the situation.
Luke de Pulford, executive director of Ipac, highlighted the public confirmation of Chinese state-sponsored cyber-attacks against members of the alliance by the Belgian and French foreign ministries. He emphasized Beijing’s desire to target foreign politicians who challenge their actions.
The arrest of a parliamentary researcher last year over allegations of spying has further raised concerns about Chinese interference in the UK. The Commons intelligence and security committee’s report last summer warned that China was aggressively targeting the UK and had successfully infiltrated every sector of the economy.
The news of these cyber-attacks highlights the growing threat of foreign interference in the UK’s democratic processes and the need for increased vigilance and security measures to protect against such attacks.