"I have never been to China. I have never spoken on China or China-related matters in the Commons. I have never asked a question on China-related matters. As far as I am aware, I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests."
"I am a social democrat who believes in freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections. I am not any sort of admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist Party's dictatorship. I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law."
"Let me be clear, if there is proof that China attempted to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, there will be severe consequences. The investigation relates to China and foreign interference targeting UK democracy."
Three men aged 39, 43, and 68 were arrested by Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism officers in London and Wales on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The investigation relates to China and alleged foreign interference targeting UK democracy. MP Joanna Reid, whose spouse David Taylor was among those arrested, issued a statement clarifying her lack of involvement with Chinese interests, emphasizing she has never visited China, spoken on China-related matters in Parliament, or met Chinese officials or businesses. Reid affirmed her commitment to democratic values and free expression. UK security minister Dan Jarvis warned of severe consequences if China is proven to have attempted interference with UK sovereign affairs.
#foreign-interference #counter-terrorism #chinese-intelligence #uk-security #political-investigation
Read at Irish Independent
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