MPs banned from hiring foreign interns over fears they could be spies

Parliament has quietly banned MPs from hiring foreign interns amid fears they could be spies.

The House of Commons vetting team took the decision in July because of concerns the interns may pose a national security threat. 

The new approach is part of a crackdown on vetting procedures after a parliamentary researcher was charged with spying for China.

Many MPs hire interns who are students from universities abroad or have links with internship providers such as Christian groups in America. 

But now tighter security measures mean only those with three years' UK residency out of the past five years will qualify for a parliamentary pass.

Criticising the measures, one source said: 'The overseas interns are usually much better. And the recent spy scandals have been British citizens anyway.'

But an MP said the decision, taken by the Parliamentary Security Department and endorsed by the House of Commons Commission, was 'sensible' amid increased threats from hostile states.

A parliamentary spokesman said: 'Parliament has robust vetting procedures in place, ensuring that security pass applications can only be made by those with an approved requirement. 

'Whilst we use a range of methods, we cannot comment on our security processes, nor on specific cases.'