Even local councillors at risk from spying by China, Russia and Iran warns MI5

ALL politicians, including councillors, are being warned they could be spied upon by foreign states.

In the wake of the collapse of the China spying trial, MI5 has issued new security guidance to "protect democratic institutions from espionage and foreign interference."

An MI5 spokesperson said: "New advice equips politicians and staff to detect and respond to espionage and interference attempts.

"Councillors, MPs, peers and candidates are all warned of growing threat from deceptive, corruptive and coercive tactics."

MI5’s National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) has today, October 13 2025, published new guidance to help protect the UK’s democratic institutions from foreign interference and espionage threats.

The spokesperson added: "The guidance outlines how state-backed actors and their proxies attempt to manipulate, discredit or secretly gather information on political figures at all levels. This is done often through subtle and deceptive means that blur the line between legitimate engagement and malign activity.

"It is designed to help MPs, peers, councillors, parliamentary staff and candidates understand the threat and take simple, effective steps to protect themselves, their teams, and the integrity of the UK’s democracy.

"While the guidance highlights that the UK is a target of strategic foreign interference and espionage from elements of the Russian, Chinese and Iranian states, it takes an actor-agnostic approach, focusing on the behaviours, methods and warning signs that should raise red flags, regardless of where the threat originates from."

Minister for Cabinet Office and Home Office, Dan Jarvis, said: “I urge anyone working in government, public service or politics to be alert and trust their instincts if something does not feel right, and follow NPSA’s guidance. Foreign intelligence officers frequently operate covertly and exploit professional networking sites and personal vulnerabilities to build influence.

“This new guidance builds on the work we are already doing to tackle these issues. Those engaging in political influence on behalf of foreign powers must register under the Foreign Influence Registration scheme, as Parliament and the public have a right to know who is seeking to influence political outcomes, and in whose interests.”

Elected representatives and those who work with them may be targeted for their access to information, their ability to shape policy or public opinion, or their relationships with others of interest. This includes not only classified material but also privileged or insider knowledge that foreign intelligence services find valuable. This could be through attempts to exploit overseas travel, online activity, and financial donations as routes to access and influence.