Yvette Cooper admits ‘complex’ relations with China amid Prince Andrew spy claims
GuardianDEC 22 2024
UK: Lawmaker Warns Chinese Spy Who Befriended Prince Andrew is 'Tip of the Iceberg'
Above: Prince Andrew, Duke of York, pictured at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024. Image copyright: Chris Jackson/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Senior British Member of Parliament Iain Duncan Smith has warned that the alleged Chinese spy who had reportedly fostered close ties with Prince Andrew is just "the tip of the iceberg" of Beijing's attempts to spy on officials in the UK.
The former Conservative leader said there are "many more involved in exactly this kind of espionage." He referenced China's United Front Work Department (UFWD), which allegedly employs 40K global surveillance and influence operatives.
Smith's remarks came amid a continuing backlash after Prince Andrew's relationship with the suspected spy was revealed during an immigration tribunal late last week.
The Spin
Right narrative
The Labour Party is so desperate to avoid negative economic numbers under its leadership that it will do anything to avoid upsetting China. However, Beijing poses a real threat to the UK and Labour's failure to take the problem seriously could have huge implications.
Left narrative
The Labour government continues to take a very strong approach towards China and its suspected espionage of British officials. However, China is one of the world's biggest economies and Britain cannot simply cease all interaction with it as this would have negative ramifications for British businesses.
Metaculus Prediction
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