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A judge will consider naming an alleged Chinese spy who was able to form links at the heart of the British establishment.
The suspect, known only as H6, is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.
They remain anonymous – although an urgent hearing is taking place at the Royal Courts of Justice today at 2pm where a judge is expected to review whether the suspect can be named.
The issue will then be tabled in the Commons just an hour-and-a-half later.
It comes after Sir Keir Starmer defended his approach of engaging with Xi Jinping’s government despite concerns over security and human rights abuses.
Speaking during a visit to Norway, Sir Keir would not comment on any conversations he may have had with the royal family over the H6 case.
But he said: “Of course we are concerned about the challenge that China poses.”
Judge to consider naming suspected agent linked to Prince Andrew
They remain anonymous – although an urgent hearing is taking place at the Royal Courts of Justice today at 2pm where a judge is expected to review whether the suspect can be named.
Jabed Ahmed16 December 2024 13:06
Who is H6? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 12:30
Pictured: Prince Andrew amid spy allegations
Prince Andrew has been pictured driving from Royal Lodge in Windsor after it emerged his close confidant was an alleged Chinese spy.
The businessman, who liked to divide his time between China and UK – calling it his “second home” – had previously been granted indefinite leave to remain in Britain where he established himself as a close confidant of the Duke of York.
He is said to have used his high profile connection to secure invitations to Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, with fresh reports now alleging he also met two former prime ministers.
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 12:00
Watch: Starmer admits concerns about China amid Chinese spy allegations
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 11:38
Starmer admits China concerns
Sir Keir Starmer has admitted he is concerned about the risk China poses to the UK amid allegations a Chinese spy was operating at the heart of Britain.
The prime minister did not comment on the claim the Chinese businessman, codenamed H6, was a close confidant of Prince Andrew.
Asked about the case which became public on Friday, Sir Keir said: “Of course we are concerned about the challenge that China poses.
“Our approach is one of engagement, of co-operating where we need to co-operate, particularly on issues like climate change.
[We will] challenge where we must and where we should, particularly on issues like human rights and to compete when it comes to trade. That’s the strategic approach that we have set out as a UK Government.”
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 11:34
Concerning ‘Chinese spy’ able to slip through net, MP says
A minister admitted it is a “concern” that an alleged Chinese spy was able to “slip through the net” to form links at the heart of the British establishment.
The suspect, known only as H6, is said to have become a “close” confidant of the Duke of York and has also been pictured with senior politicians including David Cameron and Theresa May.
MPs could seek to use parliamentary privilege to reveal H6’s identity, but government minister Jim McMahon said the legal protection offered to parliamentarians should be used with caution.
Local government minister Mr McMahon told Times Radio: “It’s a concern for all of us that work in Parliament, that the trust has been breached in the way that it has, and that somebody has been found to slip through the net.
“That clearly is a concern. Whether or not that requires somebody being named in Parliament under parliamentary privilege, I think, is a separate matter.”
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 10:51
Why the alleged Chinese spy with ties to Andrew cannot be named as Farage threatens to unmask him
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 10:45
Who is H6? Everything we know about alleged Chinese spy who was close confidant of Prince Andrew
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 09:59
The Chinese ‘spy’ cosying up to Prince Andrew is part of a much more dangerous game
China’s espionage network is assiduously preparing the ground – not to strike at the United Kingdom, but to ensure its passivity in the event of war against the United States, writes Michael Sheridan
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 09:13
Nigel Farage refuses to take ‘woke’ anti-bullying training for MPs
Alexander Butler16 December 2024 09:04