MI5 warns UK politicians of espionage threats from China, Russia, and Iran

The UK’s domestic intelligence agency, MI5, has warned members of parliament and their staff that they are being actively targeted by spies from China, Russia, and Iran seeking to undermine British democracy.

According to Bloomberg, the warning was issued in a new set of guidelines released on October 13, advising those involved in British politics on how to counter “espionage and foreign interference.” It comes in the wake of a collapsed espionage case that has drawn criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s handling of national security.

“The UK is a target of long-term strategic foreign interference and espionage from elements of the Russian, Chinese and Iranian states which, in different ways, seek to further their economic and strategic interests and cause harm to our democratic institutions,” the document stated.

The advisory follows a high-profile case in which two men accused of spying for China were cleared of charges, prompting sharp criticism of the government’s management of the investigation and of Starmer’s broader policy toward Beijing, with which he has sought to rebuild diplomatic relations since taking office last year.

Separately, Nathan Gill, a former Welsh leader of Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party, pleaded guilty last month to accepting bribes in exchange for making pro-Russian statements.

In its rare public intervention, MI5 urged politicians and their teams to remain vigilant against “threat actors” attempting to extract sensitive information, build long-term relationships, or engage in blackmail. The service warned that hostile states often employ methods ranging from deceptive online approaches — such as posing as recruiters — to cyberattacks and data breaches in attempts to recruit insiders and access confidential material.

The guidance also noted that foreign powers may try to influence politicians through indirect financial means, such as donations falsely attributed to UK nationals or funding for local projects intended to sway political decisions.

MI5 advised lawmakers to monitor unusual social interactions, remain cautious of excessive flattery, verify new contacts, secure digital data, and strengthen security when travelling abroad. “What might begin as an apparently genuine interaction can transition into something more malign,” the guidance warned. “It’s important you remain alert and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, report it to your security team promptly.”

Addressing parliament on the evening of October 13, Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the guidance formed part of the government’s broader response to the failed espionage case and aimed to reinforce its commitment to national security.

Jarvis rejected claims that the Starmer government intentionally impeded the case to safeguard relations with China. “Suggestions that the government concealed evidence, withdrew witnesses, or restricted the ability of witnesses to draw on particular bits of evidence are all untrue,” he said.

In a statement accompanying the new guidance, MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum urged all political figures to act swiftly to protect themselves and democratic institutions. “Everyone reading this guidance cares deeply about the role they play in UK democracy,” he said. “Take action today to protect it — and yourself.”

By Tamilla Hasanova