UK

Sunak hits out at Chinese interference in Parliament in meeting with premier

Chinese Premier Li Qiang had talks with British counterpart Rishi Sunak on the margins of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India (Adi Weda/Pool/AP)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang had talks with British counterpart Rishi Sunak on the margins of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India (Adi Weda/Pool/AP) Chinese Premier Li Qiang had talks with British counterpart Rishi Sunak on the margins of the G20 summit in New Delhi, India (Adi Weda/Pool/AP)
By Sam Blewett and Patrick Daly, PA Political Staff, in New Delhi

Rishi Sunak has warned the Chinese premier of his “significant concerns” about Beijing’s interference in democracy after the arrest of a parliamentary researcher on suspicion of spying.

The Prime Minister met Li Qiang at the G20 summit in New Delhi on Sunday, hours after news of two arrests in the UK under the Official Secrets Act emerged.

One is a researcher who has had links to several senior Tory MPs, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and foreign affairs committee chairwoman Alicia Kearns.

Northern Research Group conference
Northern Research Group conference Security Minister Tom Tugendhat (Danny Lawson/PA)

The Briton was arrested along with another man by officers on March 13 on suspicion of spying for Beijing, it was revealed by the Sunday Times.

Mr Sunak, who has faced criticism from some senior Conservatives of seeking a relationship with a China they see as increasingly a threat, met Mr Li on the margins of the international summit on Sunday morning.

A No 10 spokesman said: “The Prime Minister met Premier Li Qiang and conveyed his significant concerns about Chinese interference in the UK’s parliamentary democracy.”