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Question
What are the Government's specific plans for education and research, considering the risks of foreign interference?
Minister reply
The government is working to address risks in education through new guidance from the Office for Students to help universities protect academic freedoms. A closed event will be hosted with vice-chancellors to discuss risks posed by foreign interference and signpost plans to further increase resilience.
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Question
How is the Government ensuring businesses in advanced manufacturing are protected from espionage?
Minister reply
The new economic security advisory service is being strengthened to help businesses navigate risks such as espionage and intellectual property theft, with digital offers assisting complex cases.
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Question
What are the Government's next steps in countering China’s cyber-attacks?
Minister reply
The government is introducing new measures through the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill to make it harder for critical sectors to be targeted with cyber-attacks, including those from China. Further action will be taken against China-based actors involved in malicious activity.
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Question
The revelations today are no surprise. They are part of an ever-growing list of actions by the Chinese Communist party to interfere in our sovereign affairs, and it is important that we do not underestimate the threat. Can the Minister give an update on the investigation into dual-use kill switches in Chinese-made electric buses?
Minister reply
The work being taken forward will be co-ordinated by the Cabinet Office with a new counter-political interference and espionage plan, but I am limited in what I can say about specific inquiries like those regarding Sheffield Hallam University.
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Question
Will the Minister admit that it was a mistake for his party to cancel our university free speech provisions, and will he reintroduce them now?
Minister reply
We take very seriously the points made about academic freedoms and the importance of education. We are looking closely at whether it is necessary to make further additions to the enhanced tier of FIRS.
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Question
Will the Government now cancel multiple planned visits to China, given the hostile environment?
Minister reply
I take a different view about visits to China; engaging with our counterparts provides an opportunity to deliver tough and consistent messages. Any Minister or official who travels will deliver strong coherent messages aligned with today's announcements.
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Question
Expressed condolences to the family of a Royal Fleet Auxiliary member lost. Raised concerns about the security of Chinese nationals, particularly Hong Kong community members in prison and fears of monitoring demonstrators.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of protecting individuals targeted by transnational repression and emphasised that the Government will do everything possible to ensure their safety.
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Question
Welcomed the action plan but expressed concerns about its sufficiency in addressing persistent, flagrant transgressions by the CCP. Raised issues regarding the Chinese mega-embassy and requested updates on adding China to the Fraud Investigation Reporting Service.
Minister reply
Emphasised that national security is a core priority for any decision related to the embassy and assured that all points raised will be considered by relevant departments.
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Question
Highlighted concerns about academic freedom at Sheffield Hallam University, including intimidation of researchers like Professor Laura Murphy. Asked whether the closed event with vice-chancellors would address these issues.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of protecting academic freedom and committed to ensuring that both vice-chancellors from Sheffield will be invited to attend the event.
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Question
Asked about China's current threat to the UK and sought details on work with Members' Staff Services Team to remove security weaknesses.
Minister reply
Recognised that China poses significant threats to UK national security, including cyber-attacks and foreign interference. Promised a more considered response regarding security weaknesses.
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Question
Welcomed the measures announced but suggested that the defending democracy taskforce should develop a centralised toolkit for affected stakeholders.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of the defending democracy taskforce and its role in coordinating protective security campaigns across Government.
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Question
Welcomed the update on connected devices. Raised concerns about the Chancellor's visit to China and suggested increasing US foreign direct investment as an alternative.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the points made by Tom Tugendhat regarding connected devices and the need for a balanced approach to engagement with China. Assured that Ministers deliver strong messages about national security during their visits.
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Question
Asked about protecting constituents from transnational repression, particularly Hongkongers, and raised concerns about online threats to democracy. Requested a meeting to discuss amendments for the elections Bill.
Minister reply
Reiterated that any transnational repression is unacceptable and that the Government supports members of the Hong Kong community relocated to the UK. Agreed to facilitate a meeting with relevant Ministers regarding her proposed amendments.
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Question
Asked about protecting the concerns of the Hong Kong community in Wokingham, especially those with bounties on their heads.
Minister reply
Reassured that the Government stands with and supports members of the Hong Kong community. Offered to meet Clive Jones to discuss further concerns.
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Question
Asked whether China is a bad faith actor whose technique involves buying influence and building dependency, particularly in universities.
Minister reply
Acknowledged that any Government must balance national security with economic interests. Emphasised the need to engage on terms advantageous to the UK.
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Question
Asked if the current tier of FIRS adequately addresses China’s threats, emphasising the importance of national security.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the seriousness of the threat but emphasised the need to engage with China on terms advantageous to the UK. Stressed that defence of the realm is a top priority.
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Question
Asked about ensuring the Intelligence and Security Committee has all material needed for judgment on the embassy matter before Christmas.
Minister reply
Agreed that it is important to be straightforward and strong in our approach. Suggested that it is not necessarily for him to discuss details of diplomatic relations, as this falls under Foreign Office jurisdiction.
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Question
Welcomed the Minister’s comments and called for China to be added to the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering's enhanced tier. She raised concerns about energy security, Chinese consulate in Edinburgh, and espionage threats to Scotland.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of engagement with devolved authorities and will reflect on her points about Mingyang wind farm and security concerns.
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Question
Welcomed the statement but asked for a review of contracts with China, particularly those relating to sensitive matters. He also inquired if the Minister would confirm that China is a threat to national security.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the ISC report on China and agreed to look into the point about reviewing contracts with China.
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Question
Welcomed the package but expressed concern over the increasing reliance on critical minerals from China, urging diversification of access.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the need for a critical minerals strategy and stated that the Government will bring forward such a strategy led by the Department for Business and Trade.
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Question
Asked if the devolved nations, local authorities and educational institutions are being made aware of risks posed by China. He requested regular briefings.
Minister reply
Confirmed that there is a desire to work closely with devolved Administrations and would be happy to meet with him and his group.
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Question
Asked if the Government has deterrents in place regarding China's threat. He suggested reviewing security classifications policy.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of leaking and gave an assurance that they will review government papers and threats.
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Question
Expressed concern about granting planning consent for China’s embassy, suggesting it would be seen as a sign of weakness.
Minister reply
Emphasised the Government's determination to act further where necessary to guard national security.
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Question
Asked if it was a failure of mindset that led to the failure in securing prosecution against two alleged Chinese agents.
Minister reply
Clarified that decisions were taken independently by the Crown Prosecution Service, which is rightly independent of Government.
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Question
Asked if China should be on the enhanced tier of Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering given its actions.
Minister reply
Explained that FIRS is an important tool, and the Government will carefully consider how best to use it.
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Question
Quoted Sun Tzu and questioned why Government facilitates secretive trade trips to Beijing for members of the Scottish Government.
Minister reply
Said he would look into it if that would be helpful.
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Question
Asked about supporting universities in resisting so-called SLAPPs following a reported case at Sheffield Hallam University.
Minister reply
Emphasised the importance of academic freedom and stated that the Government will support universities in responding to challenges.
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Question
In the case of Northern Ireland, international trade is a reserved matter. Last Wednesday in Belfast, the Chinese Government hosted an investment conference with 120 Chinese companies and signed a strategic co-operation framework agreement with Invest NI. How is this possible when international trade is a reserved matter? Will this Government finally closely examine the operation of the Stormont Executive and their collaborations with China?
Minister reply
I was in the hon. and learned Member’s part of the world just a couple of weeks ago. We take very seriously the importance of engaging with the devolved Administrations. I will look carefully at the points he has made and reflect on them, and if he wants to discuss them further, I would be happy to do that.
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Question
I chair an all-party parliamentary group which had its website hacked. Conversations were under surveillance while in Northern Ireland due to Chinese agents involved in espionage. How will the Government ensure a ramification for trade outcomes involving such threats? What steps are being taken to prevent mishandling of court cases and send a strong message against foreign powers, particularly China?
Minister reply
I am grateful to the hon. Member, as I always am. I hope he sees the commitment this Government have to ensuring that we are best equipped to engage with the nature of the threats we face. This is precisely why I brought forward a package of measures and why I have been crystal clear about the requirement potentially to go further in certain areas. We take these matters very seriously and wish to work with Members right across the House and with the devolved Administrations to do everything possible to guard against such threats while engaging in our national interest.