UK MPs Warned of Chinese Intelligence Recruitment Efforts Amid Broader China Security Concerns
Simon Whelband, a Conservative councillor and aide to MP Neil O'Brien, reported receiving an unsolicited LinkedIn message from a Chinese security services–linked account named Shirly Shen offering a job. After reporting the incident to Parliament's security services, he blocked the account. MI5 has identified two LinkedIn profiles, Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, used by Chinese security services as civilian recruitment headhunters targeting British politicians and staff to solicit insider insights. On 18 November 2025, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Lords Speaker Lord McFall circulated a warning to MPs and peers regarding these activities.
During a Commons debate, security minister Dan Jarvis acknowledged ongoing cross-party concerns about China. These concerns include fears over potential security risks such as kill switches in Chinese-made buses and possible listening devices in Chinese-manufactured military vehicles. Additional worries involve China's pursuit of planning permission for a major new embassy in central London near critical data cables serving the City of London.
Last month, Parliament addressed the collapse of a court case involving two men accused of spying for China; one had worked in Westminster and both denied any wrongdoing. Amid these security issues, the Labour Party has sought warmer ties with China since the general election. Senior ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Business Secretary Peter Kyle, have visited Beijing, alongside a recent visit by the Foreign Office's Sir Olly Robbins.
The UK government describes its China policy as pragmatic, engaging with Beijing while maintaining a clear-eyed awareness of the risks involved. However, some MPs advocate for adopting a more skeptical stance toward China.
