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Foreign Influence Registration Scheme 2025-04-01
01 April 2025
Lead MP
The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
DefenceForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
The Minister for Security Dan Jarvis raised concerns about foreign influence registration scheme 2025-04-01 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Today, I am announcing the commencement of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) on 1 July. FIRS is a crucial part of the National Security Act 2023, designed to address the evolving threat from hostile state activities targeting the UK. Since December 2023, parts of the scheme have been operational and six individuals have already faced charges for non-compliance. The political influence tier will enable transparency on foreign state involvement in the UK’s political system, allowing Members of Parliament to verify whether anyone seeking to influence them acts under foreign direction. Russia and Iran are among the first states to be specified under the enhanced tier due to their significant threat levels. Russia's actions, such as the Salisbury nerve agent attack and cyber-attacks targeting parliamentarians, underscore its designation. FIRS will require registration of activities conducted by entities controlled by these powers. The Government have laid draft regulations before Parliament for debate and will provide comprehensive guidance online to ensure compliance from day one.
Chris Philp
Con
Croydon South
Question
Chris Philp questions why the Minister did not mention China and its threats to national security. He notes MI5’s warnings about China's industrial-scale espionage, infiltration of political systems, illegal police stations, and bounties on dissidents. He asks if economic priorities are prioritising over national security when it comes to relations with China.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis acknowledges the importance of FIRS but emphasises that decisions regarding which countries will be specified under FIRS are based on evidence. He states that he will not speculate about future specifications and highlights the Government's consistent, long-term approach in managing the UK’s relationship with China.
Robert Jenrick
No Constituency Specified
Question
The MP welcomed the Minister’s announcement that counter-terrorism police will offer training on state threats activity to all 45 territorial police forces and asked for a further update on the roll-out of this training.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis paid tribute to frontline police officers dealing with consequences of aggressive actions by hostile states. He assured the MP that they are working closely with Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, chief constables, and police and crime commissioners to ensure training is taking place at pace.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Question
The MP questioned whether the Government have plans to generate a human rights and democracy report, conduct an audit on China, and ensure that China is fully considered in the strategic defence review. She also expressed concerns about the proposed Chinese mega-embassy in London.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis assured Lisa Smart that these matters are being addressed across Government departments and that the national security strategy would provide some answers to her questions. He stated that Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary jointly submitted written representations to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the embassy, reflecting considerations of national security.
Melanie Ward
Lab
Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Question
The MP asked for an update on plans announced in the King’s Speech for a new Bill on cyber-resilience and other actions being taken to improve protections.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis assured Melanie Ward that the Government are committed to using all levers to disrupt cyber-threats. He welcomed the plan by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to introduce a cyber security and resilience Bill.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
The MP asked if definitions of 'at the direction' of a foreign power or specified entity and 'political influence' will be kept under review.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis confirmed that definitions do matter, and they have taken time to think carefully about how best to define these matters. He assured Damian Hinds that regulations and guidance detailing requirements for the political influence tier have been published today.
Sally Jameson
Lab/Co-op
Doncaster Central
Question
The MP asked what steps the Minister is taking, along with other Home Office Ministers, to strengthen enforcement of UK immigration law against those promoting hostile state threats in Britain.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis noted that border security is national security. He mentioned progress made on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, an organised immigration summit hosted by PM and Home Secretary, and work being done by the Border Security Commander with international allies.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
The MP expressed concerns about the building of the biggest Chinese communist embassy in western Europe in London. He also asked for an explanation on the differential between penalties faced by people exposed for acting on behalf of a foreign power if they have or haven’t registered.
Minister reply
Dan Jarvis reiterated that Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary jointly submitted written representations to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the embassy, reflecting considerations of national security. He did not provide further details due to legal reasons.
Tewkesbury
Question
Will the Minister commit himself to releasing a full, unredacted Russia report and an audit on the activities of the Conservative Friends of Russia?
Minister reply
The Government’s position on publishing the report is clear. The Minister will consider discussing it further with the hon. Member.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Question
How might domestic politicians be affected by FIRS, and can you provide more details on the enhanced tier?
Minister reply
FIRS will ensure that parliamentarians are informed of any attempts to influence them at the direction of a foreign state. This represents a significant step forward for parliamentary integrity.
Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey
Question
What does the Minister make of the statement from the Trump Administration regarding tariff decisions and judicial decisions in the UK?
Minister reply
The Minister is reluctant to get into specifics but will consider it further and come back with a considered response.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Question
Why is China not mentioned in the statement today, given its involvement in supporting Russia and Iran?
Minister reply
The focus today has fundamentally been on Russia. The Government take these matters incredibly seriously and will consider countries on an individual basis based on evidence-based decisions.
Shadow Comment
Chris Philp
Shadow Comment
While welcoming the commencement of FIRS, Chris Philp criticises the Minister's silence on China. He highlights MI5’s and FBI’s warnings about China's espionage activities, infiltration of political systems, illegal police stations, and bounties on dissidents. Philp questions why China is not included in the enhanced tier despite clear evidence of its threats. He suggests that economic priorities might be influencing this decision, especially regarding China's super-embassy planning permission.
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