A SINISTER MI5 warning about Chinese spies targeting MPs has sparked demands to urgently tighten restrictions on Beijing.
The security services yesterday accused Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen of carrying out espionage against Westminster politicians.
Both women – who pose as recruiters on LinkedIn – were named as part of a “widespread and targeted” campaign by the Chinese intelligence ministry.
In an email to MPs, peers and staff, Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis insisted he would not tolerate the “covert and calculated” interference and announced a package of minor measures to enhance cyber security.
The fresh warning comes months after a case against two suspected Chinese spies collapsed after the government refused to call Beijing a threat to national security.
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The Tories demanded China now be placed alongside Russia and Iran in the highest threat level of the new register for foreign actors and have its mega-embassy in London vetoed.
Shadow Cabinet Minister Alex Burghart said: “After months of Labour burying their heads in the sand when it comes to China, I hope the Government has now got the message about the real nature of this threat.”
The accusations prompted a furious response from Beijing, which accused the British government of “pure fabrication”.
An embassy spokesman said: “We strongly condemn such despicable moves of the UK side and have lodged stern representations with them.”
A former chief of staff to then Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi was among Westminster figures to be targeted.
James Price received a LinkedIn message from Amanda Qiu last year introducing herself as a head-hunter.
He told The Sun: “I then received a long and dull message about a battery company in China, took it to be either spam or something more malicious, and never engaged again.
“It’s very worrying that the CCP have the resources and intent to try to engage even former Special Advisers, let alone MPs and senior civil servants.
“I hope the Government is wise to the extreme threat the CCP represents and responds robustly.”
