Commons review panel accused of 'massive failure' after suspected Chinese spy was given a pass

Two men, including a British parliamentary researcher, were arrested in March on suspicion of spying for China. Photo: John Walton/PA

A House of Commons review panel has been accused of a «massive failure» after a suspected Chinese spy was given a parliamentary pass.

MPs have called for a review of the access system and officials. look back at the people who have passes and «make sure those who shouldn't have them» don't.»

Alex Chalk, the justice minister, said parliamentary authorities were aware that There is a live police investigation, but «there will be lessons that can be learned.»

It comes after it emerged that two men, including a British parliamentary researcher, were arrested on suspicion of spying for China in March.

The Parliamentary Security Department is responsible for security checks and issuing passes. All pass holders are subject to basic verification of identity, employment history, eligibility to work in the UK and unspent criminal record.

Some applicants will also be subject to national security checks «if a risk assessment shows this is proportionate». The assessment will take into account whether the person has access to «sensitive assets».

Those undergoing national security checks are asked to provide personal information about themselves, their families and friends, as well as information about their parents and their friends. partners and former partners over the past three years. Authorities may also take into account a person's financial situation and medical conditions.

“Failure to complete due diligence”

It is unclear whether the arrested researcher, who is in his 20s and is currently out on bail, has undergone any additional security checks. But after his arrest, Luke de Pulford, chief executive of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, said issuing him the pass «was a serious failure of due diligence».

Caroline Nokes, a former housewife minister, called for a review of the passes, telling Times Radio : “We need [the authorities] to check what passes have been issued and make sure those who shouldn’t have them don’t.”

She said the review would be a “very important task”, adding: “We all have a responsibility to be very careful about this.”

She was supported by Rory Stewart, a former Cabinet Office minister who said: “We need to look at two things . Yes, passes are a must, and secondly, funding.

“Because another thing that has come to light in China is that not only is there a researcher there, but people with strong ties to the Chinese Communist Party are giving money to Labor MPs and hiring former MPs from the Conservatives.»

It is understood that Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, was looking into the allegations on Sunday night before deciding whether to make a statement on Monday. Many MPs expect him to address the issue.

Asked whether there were any weaknesses in the system, Mr Chalk said: “I don’t think anything should be ruled out… We must accept it.» extremely seriously.”

But he added that “this must be followed through in terms of this inquiry, and whatever lessons the parliamentary authorities have to learn, I am sure they will be known.”

p>

A House of Commons spokesman said: “Our review is consistent with Government policy and the Government's national security policy. We do not and will not comment on specific cases.

«Parliament's security processes are continually reviewed but must operate within the parameters of national policy and within the appropriate legal framework.»< /p>