The British domestic intelligence agency (MI5) issued a rare public warning to Members of Parliament on Monday about the likelihood of them being targeted by spies from China, Russia, and Iran in an attempt to undermine democracy in the country.

The warning comes a week after prosecutors announced they had to drop the trial of two British men accused of spying on MPs for China, citing the British government’s failure to provide evidence proving China poses a national security threat.

MI5 warned politicians and their staff about spies seeking to extract information through blackmail, phishing attacks, building close and long-term relationships, or making donations to influence their decisions.

Ken McCallum, Director General of MI5, said, “When foreign states steal vital information from Britain or manipulate our democratic processes, they not only harm our short-term security but also undermine the foundations of our sovereignty.”

The agency urged politicians to “track unusual social interactions,” including repeated requests for private meetings, and to be cautious if there is “overt flattery.”

In accompanying remarks to the guidance directed at MPs, McCallum said, “Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about their role in Britain’s democracy. Take action today to protect it, and protect yourselves.”

In January 2022, MI5 issued a warning notice about lawyer Christine Lee, stating she was “involved in political interference activities” in Britain on behalf of China’s ruling Communist Party.

The Speaker of the House of Commons circulated the warning to lawmakers and said MI5 found that Lee “facilitated financial donations to working and aspiring MPs on behalf of foreign nationals residing in Hong Kong and China.”

Later, Lee filed a lawsuit against MI5 in an attempt to clear her name but lost the case.

Despite British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to ease the stalemate in relations with China since taking office last year, London and Beijing have repeatedly exchanged espionage accusations, with British security agencies warning of China’s attempts to infiltrate its political and business communities.

Regarding the recently dropped trial, the Chinese embassy in London said in a statement, “We have affirmed from the beginning that the accusation that China instructed the involved British individuals to ‘steal British intelligence information’ is a completely fabricated and malicious slander, which we strongly reject.” (Reuters)