Ex-government employees ‘should not work with Chinese firms’

Former MPs, civil servants and navy personnel shouldn’t work with Chinese corporations amid considerations over the “threat” that Beijing poses to the UK, the Government has warned.

The alert comes as a report alleged that the Communist superpower tried to headhunt Britons in key roles as a part of its spy operations.

Chinese intelligence service personnel goal Britain each “prolifically and aggressively”, the landmark paper on China by Parliament’s spy company watchdog mentioned.

Home Office minister Chris Philp mentioned individuals with delicate data and expertise needs to be cautious.

He informed Times Radio: “China does pose a threat. They’re obviously engaging – not just in the UK but across many countries in the West – a systematic campaign of intellectual property theft and attempting to inveigle themselves into public life. It is of concern, a huge concern.” He mentioned ministers have acted to guard UK pursuits, akin to eradicating Huawei gear from telecommunications networks.

Mr Philp added: “We need to be extremely vigilant. Individuals who have worked in the public sector – whether a civil servant, in the military or frankly people who have been involved in politics as well – need to be, I would say to put it mildly, exceptionally cautious and frankly should not really…be working with sort of organs of the Chinese state after they leave public service.”

MPs on the Intelligence and Security Committee mentioned Beijing has tried to rent ex-political figures for profitable roles to strengthen its affect. Downing Street aides mentioned there have been “significant rules and protections” in place.

Rishi Sunak has confronted stress to toughen his stance on Beijing since a Parliamentary researcher was held on suspicion of spying for China – which he denies.