🇬🇧 United Front Work Department

Commons Chamber

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

In a gripping parliamentary session, the UK government revealed that Yang Tengbo (H6), a member of China’s United Front Work Department, was barred from the UK due to national security threats. MPs debated the pervasive influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the UK, with calls for swift implementation of the foreign influence registration scheme to counter these threats. The session highlighted concerns over espionage, intellectual property theft, and the need for robust action to protect British democracy and institutions. The government emphasized its commitment to national security while navigating complex diplomatic relations with China.

Summary

  • National Security and H6 Case:
    • The government has been discussing the operations of the United Front Work Department (UFWD) and the case of H6, who has been identified as Yang Tengbo. Yang Tengbo was excluded from the UK on national security grounds, a decision upheld by the court.
    • The government emphasized its commitment to using all available powers to disrupt individuals posing a threat to UK national security, including through espionage or foreign interference.
  • Enhanced Threat Environment:
    • The Director General of MI5 highlighted an increasingly complex threat environment involving states like China, Russia, and Iran, alongside terrorism.
    • The government’s response includes the National Security Act 2023, which provides stronger powers against hostile states. Six individuals have been charged under this new Act.
  • Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS):
    • FIRS is expected to be launched in the summer after regulations are laid in the new year, aimed at countering foreign interference.
    • The issue of whether China should be on the enhanced tier of FIRS was raised, indicating ongoing debate about the classification and application of the scheme.
  • Intellectual Property and Economic Security:
    • Concerns were raised about the theft of intellectual property, particularly in cutting-edge technology sectors like AI and quantum computing, with China being a significant actor.
    • The government assured that measures are in place to protect against such threats, including the National Security and Investment Act 2021.
  • Approach to China:
    • The government outlined a strategy to challenge China where necessary, compete where needed, and cooperate on issues like climate change, indicating a multi-faceted approach.
    • Criticism was voiced about the government’s relations with China, with calls for more decisive action on human rights issues and security threats.
  • Auditing Government Relations and Support for Intelligence Agencies:
    • An audit of the UK’s relationship with China is ongoing to enhance understanding and response to both challenges and opportunities.
    • Appreciation and support for the intelligence agencies were expressed for their role in countering security threats.
  • Broader Security Measures and Concerns:
    • Discussions included cybersecurity measures, especially for critical national infrastructure, and the need for robust action against foreign influence in UK society.
    • Members expressed concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals living in the UK and the role of the Defending Democracy Taskforce in addressing transnational repression.
  • Planning and Projects:
    • Specific concerns were raised about Chinese investments in the UK, including the proposed embassy at the Royal Mint site and the expansion of the Peking University HSBC business school, with debates over planning and security implications.

This session covered a wide range of security and foreign policy issues related to China, with a focus on enhancing national security measures amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.

Divisiveness

The session displays a moderate level of disagreement and contention among the participants. The disagreement primarily revolves around the urgency and approach to implementing the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) and the categorization of China within it. Sir Iain Duncan Smith and others from various parties urged immediate action and emphasized placing China in the enhanced tier, indicating dissatisfaction with the current governmental progress and perceived delays. There were also criticisms directed towards the government’s handling of previous cases and their overall strategy towards China, as seen in comments from Suella Braverman and Tom Tugendhat. However, there were also moments of acknowledgment and calls for unity from members across the aisle, which somewhat mitigated the overall sense of disagreement. The session did not escalate into high levels of conflict, but the recurring theme of urging faster and more decisive action against Chinese influence reflects a notable level of disagreement with government policies and timelines.