Former Labour Shadow Cabinet Minister Barry Gardiner, who received £500,000 over six years from an alleged Chinese government agent, has said he was “deeply distressed” to learn one of his biggest donors had been illegally trying to influence British politicians.
The security service, MI5 issued an unprecedented alert yesterday stating that Christine Ching Kui Lee “established links” for the Chinese Communist Party with current and aspiring MPs. MI5 said the activity “had been undertaken in covert coordination with the United Front Work Department [of the CCP], with funding provided by foreign nationals located in China and Hong Kong”.
MI5 warned Ms Lee “may aspire to establish APPGs [parliamentary groups] to further the CCP’s agenda”.
Mr Gardiner began receiving donations from Ms Lee’s law firm, Christine Lee & Co, at the end of 2014. Ms Lee’s son was also understood to have volunteered for the Labour MP and was later employed as a member of staff. Mr Gardiner said he had been “liaising with our security services for a number of years.”
Ms Lee had “no role” in who was appointed as his researchers and all donations were “properly reported”, he said.
Demand for a Government Statement:
Conservative MP and former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith brought up the alert in the Commons on Thursday, confirming it had been emailed out to MPs by the Speaker.
Calling for Ms Lee to be deported, he said it was “a matter of grave concern” and demanded the Government make a statement to the House.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said it was “deeply concerning” that someone “who has knowingly engaged in political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party has targeted parliamentarians”.
(British Chinese Project/Facebook)
The Chinese Embassy in London accused MI5 of “smearing and intimidation” against the UK’s Chinese community.
In a statement on the embassy’s website, a spokesman said: “China always adheres to the principle of non-interference in other country’s internal affairs.
“We have no need and never seek to ‘buy influence’ in any foreign parliament. We firmly oppose the trick of smearing and intimidation against the Chinese community in the UK.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also received a £5,000 donation when he was energy secretary – but he said the money was accepted by his local association and it was “the first time he has been given cause to be concerned”.
