Written By Lisa Murimi
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith has warned that the alleged Chinese spy barred from entering the UK could be “the tip of the iceberg” in a broader espionage operation.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sir Iain described China’s influence efforts as operating “in plain view” and called for urgent discussions in Parliament.
The businessman, known only as H6 due to a court-imposed anonymity order, was banned from the UK by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission in March 2023.
H6 is accused of cultivating influential relationships, including with Prince Andrew, whom he was once described as a “close confidant.”
Documents reveal he attended the Duke of York’s birthday party in 2020 and had been given permission to represent him in dealings with Chinese investors.
The case has sparked concerns about China’s United Front Work Department, which is tasked with influence operations abroad.
Former security minister Tom Tugendhat highlighted the growing threat, stating that China seeks to influence politics, business, and even academia in the UK.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the challenges posed by China but stressed the importance of a strong UK-China relationship.
An update on a long-awaited foreign influence registration scheme is expected soon.
Buckingham Palace declined to comment, while Prince Andrew has stated he has ceased all contact with H6.
