China has targeted senior UK politicians in a string of dangerous cyberattacks, prompting a crisis meeting in Westminster. Four MPs critical of Beijing have been summoned to an urgent briefing by parliament's director of security.
Undermining British Government and Democracy
The deputy PM, Oliver Dowden, is expected to inform parliament that China has been launching cyber attacks against the MPs in an effort to undermine the British government and democracy, as reported by The Times.
Long-term Plan by China
British intelligence services view these attacks as part of a broader long-term strategy by China to interfere with British politics. The targeted MPs are active members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, which seeks to raise global awareness of Beijing's actions.
Key Figures Invited to Briefing
Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, ex-education minister Tim Loughton, House of Lords peer Lord Alton, and SNP MP Stewart McDonald are among those invited to the briefing. A last-minute meeting of the 1922 Committee, led by foreign secretary Lord David Cameron, has also been arranged.
Concerns Over Threats to UK Elections and Democracy
The urgent briefing is believed to be linked to a dedicated task force monitoring threats to UK elections and democracy. Tom Tugendhat, UK security minister, chairs the group, which assesses risks posed by China using intelligence and security agency insights.
Global Response to Chinese Cyberattacks
IPAC's executive director Luke de Pulford highlighted that other countries have also observed Chinese state-sponsored cyber attacks against their politicians who challenge Beijing. A recent meeting between UK and foreign politicians discussed strategies to address these threats.
Warning from Intelligence Report
A previous intelligence report revealed that China was aggressively targeting the UK and had infiltrated various sectors of the economy. The report also criticized the government for not adequately addressing the threats posed by China, emphasizing the nation's potential influence on liberal democracy.
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https://hellofaread.com/politics/penny-mordaunt-denies-plotting-to-topple-rishi-sunak/
