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Former MPs, civil servants and military personnel should not work with Chinese firms amid concerns over the \u201cthreat\u201d that Beijing poses to the UK, the Government has warned.<\/p>\n
The alert comes as a report alleged that the Communist superpower tried to headhunt Britons in key roles as part of its spy operations.<\/p>\n
Chinese intelligence service personnel target Britain both \u201cprolifically and aggressively\u201d, the landmark paper on China by Parliament\u2019s spy agency watchdog said.<\/p>\n
Home Office minister Chris Philp said people with sensitive knowledge and experience should be cautious.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> Nigel Farage demands to know why Chinese spy was hushed up for six months<\/strong><\/p>\n He told Times Radio: \u201cChina does pose a threat. They\u2019re obviously engaging \u2013 not just in the UK but across many countries in the West \u2013 a systematic campaign of intellectual property theft and attempting to inveigle themselves into public life. It is of concern, a huge concern.\u201d He said ministers have acted to protect UK interests, such as removing Huawei gear from telecommunications networks.<\/p>\n Mr Philp added: \u201cWe need to be extremely vigilant. Individuals who have worked in the public sector \u2013 whether a civil servant, in the military or frankly people who have been involved in politics as well \u2013 need to be, I would say to put it mildly, exceptionally cautious and frankly should not really…be working with sort of organs of the Chinese state after they leave public service.\u201d<\/p>\n MPs on the Intelligence and Security Committee said Beijing has tried to hire ex-political figures for lucrative roles to strengthen its influence. Downing Street aides said there were \u201csignificant rules and protections\u201d in place.<\/p>\n Rishi Sunak has faced pressure to toughen his stance on Beijing since a Parliamentary researcher was held on suspicion of spying for China \u2013 which he denies.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n