British Democracy Under Attack
Chinese hackers have struck at the heart of British democracy, gaining access to the personal details of 40 million voters, according to reports.
Official Attribution to China
Britain is set to officially blame China for a 2021 cyber attack on the Electoral Commission, which oversees all UK elections. The United States government is also expected to point to Beijing for a cyber attack on America.
Parliament to Name and Shame
The Communist superstate will be named and shamed in Parliament, with key players facing hefty sanctions. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden will warn politicians who have been targeted by Chinese hackers.
US Government's Response
The United States government is also expected to attribute the cyber attack to China. Foreign Office sources have denied delaying the attribution, following months of discussions within Whitehall.
Electoral Commission's Admission
The Electoral Commission admitted last August that "hostile actors" had accessed their data systems and email. The Government will now officially attribute the attack to China, 16 months after it occurred in August 2021.
Concerns and Responses
A small group of vocal China critics, including former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and SNP MP Stewart McDonald, have been briefed on the cyber attacks. Luke de Pulford, boss of the anti-China alliance IPAC group, highlighted China's sponsorship of cyber attacks against foreign politicians.
Oliver Dowden will also warn dozens that politicians have been targeted by Chinese hackers.
