MI5 Warns UK Politicians of Targeting by Spies From China, Russia, Iran

Lawmakers are being warned of attempts to gain information through phishing attacks, blackmail, and by cultivation of long-term personal relationships.

MI5 Director General Ken McCallum delivers the annual director general's speech at Counter Terrorism Operations Centre in west London, on Oct. 8, 2024. Yui Mok/PA via AP

UK domestic spy agency MI5 warned on Oct. 13 that the country’s politicians are being targeted by agents of China, Russia and Iran who are seeking to undermine democracy.

MI5’s National Protective Security Authority issued new guidance to lawmakers on Oct. 13 “to protect democratic institutions from espionage and foreign interference,” the agency said in a statement issued with the guidance.