"We have seen a significant increase in our casework relating to national security in recent years, and we continue to work extremely closely with our partners to help keep the country safe and take action to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it. Today's arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this."
"Let me be clear, if there is proven evidence of attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, we will impose severe consequences and hold all actors involved to account. The Government is taking robust action to ensure the UK's democratic institutions and processes are a hard target for this activity."
Three men aged 39, 68, and 43 were arrested by Counter Terrorism Policing London on suspicion of breaching the National Security Act and assisting China's foreign intelligence service. The arrests occurred across multiple locations: London, Powys in mid-Wales, and Pontyclun in south Wales. Police conducted searches at the arrest locations and three additional addresses in London, East Kilbride, and Cardiff. All three men remain in police custody. Commander Helen Flanagan stated the arrests are part of a proactive investigation and noted no imminent public threat. Security minister Dan Jarvis warned of severe consequences if China's interference with UK sovereign affairs is proven, emphasizing the government's commitment to protecting democratic institutions.
#national-security-act #china-intelligence-operations #counter-terrorism-policing #uk-security-threats
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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