Chinese Espionage: Parliament

Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Excerpts

Monday 13th October 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

My Lords, I never thought I would be discussing real estate and espionage, but we find ourselves in a strange set of circumstances. I thank my noble friend. As he is very well aware, the decision about the future location of the Chinese embassy is a matter for the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and a decision will be brought forward in due course.

[Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)]

My Lords, do the Government accept that China is a security threat to our country?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

The noble Lord is famous for asking such straightforward and easy questions. The Government are clear that our relationship with China is complex: we are to compete, to challenge and to co-operate. Choosing not to engage with China is no choice at all. Let us be clear: state agents of the Chinese Government have acted in ways that pose a potential threat to the United Kingdom. We continue to have conversations and to engage in a collaborative way with our Five Eyes partners to counter that challenge.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Con)]

My Lords, will the Minister have another go at answering my question: do the Government regard China as a threat to our national security or not?

[Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent (Lab)]

Just for the noble Lord, I will read from my pack: “The Government knows that China poses a series of threats to UK national security. We have seen Chinese espionage and cyberattacks on our soil and transnational repression of Hong Kongers”. Based on that, I think I can say yes.