Parliamentarians warned of new spying attempts from China-linked agents

MPs and parliamentarians have been warned of new attempts to spy on them by China.

The security service MI5 sent a warning to those working in Westminster about two recruitment headhunters to watch out for who are working for Chinese security services.

The message to parliamentary staff, seen by Sky News, says: "I am writing to you now to draw your attention to the attached espionage alert issued by the Security Service, MI5, to the parliamentary community.

"This alert highlights how the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is actively reaching out to individuals in our community.

"Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf."

Westminster employees were warned that two individuals were both known to be reaching out on LinkedIn to "conduct outreach at scale on behalf of MSS".

"The alert also highlights that other similar profiles are acting as fronts for espionage," the warning continued.

"MI5 has issued this alert because the activity is targeted and widespread."

The government is set to make a statement in parliament at 12.30pm on China espionage and the government security response.

This latest warning comes after the collapse of a prosecution into two people suspected of spying on behalf of China.

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(c) Sky News 2025: Parliamentarians warned of new spying attempts from China-linked agents