Sir Lindsay Hoyle

Before we come to the ministerial statement on the China case, I wish to make a brief statement. Members will know that I have already put on record my disappointment that the charges against two individuals relating to espionage for the Chinese authorities have been dropped. I am not only disappointed, but very angry. It is of the utmost importance to me that all those who work in this Parliament are able to undertake their activities securely and without interference. I continue to seek advice from officials on what further steps might be taken to pursue the issue in other ways. I will be issuing updated security guidance to Members later today. I think there is something the Government ought to be aware of: it is this Parliament and MPs here who have been spied on; and it is MPs’ offices that have been infiltrated. As it stands, we have seen payment for spying on what I believe we should be protecting. At this moment, I feel we have not had the protection. I certainly do not blame the Minister—I know that he will be answering a lot in his statement and taking many questions—but I want to put it on record that I am angry and disappointed. My job is to protect Parliament. I feel that we are not getting that protection.