MI5 warns UK politicians of foreign spy threats from Russia, China, and Iran, citing risks from spies posing as diplomats or lobbyists.

MI5 has warned UK politicians they are at risk of foreign interference from nations including Russia, China, and Iran, urging vigilance over overseas travel, financial donations, and seemingly innocent interactions. The agency’s new guidance highlights threats from spies posing as diplomats, journalists, or lobbyists, or using such individuals as proxies. This follows high-profile cases, including the collapse of a trial involving two alleged Chinese spies and the guilty plea of former Reform UK leader Nathan Gill for accepting bribes to make pro-Russian statements. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the government is gravely concerned about threats to democratic institutions and is committed to protecting Parliament, noting other nations may also seek to exploit the UK’s political system.