Summary

  • Prime Minister Rishi Sunak says the whole House of Commons is "rightly appalled" at reports of "espionage in this building"

  • He was speaking after it emerged a parliamentary researcher had been arrested in March for allegedly spying for China

  • Sunak says he told Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit that "actions which seek to undermine British democracy are completely unacceptable"

  • The researcher on Monday said he is "completely innocent"

  • It is understood the researcher had access to several Conservative MPs

  • Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle says relevant people were "immediately briefed on a strictly confidential basis"

  • China has called the accusations "malicious slander"

Live Reporting

Edited by Jamie Whitehead and Nathan Williams

  1. Commons speaker begins China spying statement

    Lindsay Hoyle in the House of CommonsHouse of Commons

    Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle is on his feet to give a statement on the claims.

    Stick with us and we'll bring you all the key things he has to say.

  2. Researcher felt ‘forced to respond’

    Following the allegations first published in the Times, the researcher in question released a statement through lawyers denying he was a Chinese spy.

    Here’s his statement in full:

    "It is wrong that I should be obliged to make any form of public comment on the misreporting that has taken place.

    "However, given what has been reported, it is vital that it is known that I am completely innocent.

    "I have spent my career to date trying to educate others about the challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party.

    "To do what has been claimed against me in extravagant news reporting would be against everything I stand for."

  3. China says claims are a 'political farce'

    The Chinese government has rejected the allegations of spying, with a foreign ministry spokesperson calling it "malicious slander".

    They also said the claims of intelligence stealing are "completely fabricated" and accused the UK of orchestrating a "political farce".

    "We firmly oppose it and urge relevant parties in the UK to stop their anti-China political manipulation and stop putting on such self-staged political farce."

  4. Sunak raises issue with China at G20

    Rishi Sunak speaking to reporters at the G20 in India last week, standing in front of a long line of flags from around the worldPA Media

    The emergence of the arrests in March published in the Sunday Times occurred at an awkward time for Rishi Sunak, who was due to meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 Summit in India.

    A No 10 spokesperson said the prime minister used the meeting to convey "his significant concerns about Chinese interference the UK's parliamentary democracy".

  5. What’s happening in Parliament?

    A series of statements are planned in the House of Commons this afternoon in response.

    First up, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle will make a statement in Parliament at around 14.30 BST.

    This will then be followed by an update from Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden to keep MPs in the loop on the situation.

    Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is also due to address the House of Commons later for a statement on the G20 summit, so it could be quite a lengthy afternoon of spying updates.

  6. Here’s what we know so far

    For anyone new to this story, here’s a summary of the situation as it stands:

    • A Parliamentary researcher has been arrested under anti-espionage laws over claims he was spying for the Chinese government
    • The man - who the BBC is not naming - says he is "completely innocent" in a statement released through lawyers
    • The researcher is one of two men arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act, police have confirmed
    • One of the men, in his 30s, was detained in Oxfordshire, while the other, in his 20s, was arrested in Edinburgh
    • Sources have told the BBC one of them was a parliamentary researcher involved in international affairs issues
    • It is understood the researcher had access to several Conservative MPs
    • Both men have been released on bail and are being investigated by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, which oversees espionage-related offences

  7. Welcome

    Jamie Whitehead
    Live reporter

    Hello and welcome to our live coverage, as we're due to have updates on allegations a Parliamentary researcher was spying for China.

    The researcher in question has released a statement saying he is completely innocent, and that he has spent his career highlighting the threats from Beijing.

    He was one of two men arrested in March under the Official Secrets Act.

    First up, we'll hear from Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Later, both deputy PM Oliver and Dowden and PM Rishi Sunak are due to speak.

    Stick with us as we bring all the latest lines.