Chinese Spy Allegations Involving Prince Andrew Spark Concerns
Former security minister warns of deeper issues behind the claims
Prince Andrew, China, Spy, UK, Security, Tom Tugendhat
London: Allegations have surfaced that a Chinese spy got close to Prince Andrew, and it’s just the beginning of a bigger issue, according to a former security minister. Tom Tugendhat mentioned that members of the Chinese Communist Party are trying to influence various UK institutions.
Reports suggest this alleged spy had meetings with high-profile figures like Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May during their time in office. MPs are worried about how much access this businessman had, especially since he was said to be a close confidant of the Duke of York.
Tugendhat shared on BBC Breakfast that he believes there are active members of the United Front Work Department in the UK, trying to sway journalism, politics, and more. He emphasized that while the focus is on Prince Andrew, the real concern is the broader influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the UK.
He called on the government to implement a foreign influence registration scheme and to place China on a higher alert tier. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage from Reform UK is ready to use parliamentary privilege to name the alleged agent, known only as H6, unless the courts lift the anonymity order.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the complex relationship with China, balancing economic cooperation with national security risks. The businessman was previously banned from the UK by then-home secretary Suella Braverman, who cited concerns over his activities for the Chinese Communist Party.
A tribunal recently backed Braverman’s decision, affirming that the businessman posed a national security risk. Cooper reiterated that the government would maintain a strong stance on national security while also engaging economically with China.
Interestingly, it was revealed that an adviser to Prince Andrew had suggested H6 could represent the duke in dealings with potential investors in China. H6 even attended Andrew’s birthday party in 2020, which raised eyebrows.
A letter found on H6’s devices indicated a close relationship, stating he was at the top of a list of people many would want to befriend. UK authorities later linked him to the United Front Work Department, which is known for its influence campaigns.
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith is pushing for an urgent question in Parliament regarding the influence of this shadowy group. In response, the Duke of York’s office stated that he followed government advice and cut ties with the individual once concerns were raised, insisting that no sensitive matters were ever discussed.