Starmer voices 'concerns about China 'challenge' after 'spy' scandal

Keir Starmer admitted he is 'concerned' about the 'challenge' from China today amid the alleged spy scandal.

On a visit to Norway, the PM was asked about the case of the suspected Beijing agent who had close ties with the Duke of York.

Sir Keir insisted he could not comment on issues involving the Royal Family, but added: 'Of course we are concerned about the challenge that China poses.' 

The premier also hinted at progress with the proposed register of foreign agents. Labour has delayed the previous government's plans to compel those working for a foreign power to declare lobbying activities - and face a jail sentence if they fail to do so. 

Home Office minister Dan Jarvis told the Commons this afternoon that details of the scheme will be released in the New Year, and it should come into force next summer.

However, he stopped short of confirming that China will be in the top 'enhanced' tier of the regulations. 

Politicians have branded the legal restrictions on identifying the suspected agent 'ridiculous' - especially as their details are widely known abroad. 

The alleged operative knew the Duke of York for a decade, prompting major concerns about national security and Beijing's influence on the British Establishment.

As well as royals and former PMs, they are also thought to have mixed with captains of industry. 

There are fears others in high office might be unaware they have had dealings with a supposed spy.

He can currently only be referred to as H6, thanks to an anonymity ruling by an immigration court that banned him from Britain on the grounds of national security.

However, the 50-year-old's name and picture is being used widely in Chinese and US news reports and on social media, in coverage seen by millions around the globe.

The matter is due to be reconsidered by High Court judges as early as this week.

MPs including Nigel Farage have warned the order must be lifted soon – or Parliamentary Privilege could be used to name him in the Commons or the Lords without fear of legal recriminations.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: 'It is in the public interest for this to be fully transparent. It is important to completely expose Chinese infiltration where it occurs.

'There may be other people who agent H6 contacted or dealt with and if he is publicly named those people will then be able to come forward and contact the security services. That is why it's important the anonymity order is lifted as soon as possible.'

Former Tory party leader Iain Duncan Smith is due to apply for an Urgent Question to raise concerns about Chinese state influence when the Commons sits this afternoon.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that the restrictions on naming the individual were 'ridiculous', but stressed his focus is on the wider China threat.

'We're dealing with the tip of the iceberg. The fact is there are many more like him (H6) in the UK,' Sir Iain said.

'There are many more doing the job that he's been doing, and the fact he was leaving the UK tells you that he realised at some point he was going to get caught.

'The reality is that there are many, many more involved in exactly this kind of espionage that's taking place. The reality for us is very simple – China is a very clear threat.'

Claims involving H6 and Andrew emerged on Thursday, when it was confirmed the individual had been banned from entering the UK by then-home secretary Suella Braverman in a move backed by MI5.

Legal papers show Andrew's 'close confidant' had been working on the basis that the disgraced duke was in 'a desperate situation and will grab on to anything'.

Andrew and the suspect first met in 2012 but it was not until 2022, after the former Chinese civil servant was rumbled by security services, that the Duke of York 'dropped' him.

The businessman has boasted about visiting Downing Street, and kept photographs of meeting former prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May on the desk of his plush London office.

Footage from an interview with Chinese state-controlled TV also included claims he was invited to No 10 to celebrate the Chinese New Year.