Rutland MP Alicia Kearns Employed Chris Cash, Man Arrested on Suspicion of Spying for China
A man arrested on suspicion of spying for China was employed by Rutland Conservative MP Alicia Kearns. Parliamentary researcher Chris Cash, 28, was arrested in March but details of the alleged security breach were not shared until the weekend.
Cash was employed by Kearns as a researcher from January to March 2023. He had previously worked as the director of the China Research Group, an influential group of MPs who have taken a generally critical position on China.
Kearns is also on the steering committee of the China Research Group
It is said that Cash was approached by Chinese intelligence agents while he was working for the China Research Group. He is alleged to have provided them with classified information about the group's work.
Cash is currently on police bail.
Kearns has said she is "shocked and saddened" by the allegations against Cash. She has said she will cooperate fully with the investigation.
The arrest of Cash is a major security breach. It raises questions about the security of Parliament and the extent to which China is trying to influence British politics.
The Foreign Office has said it is "deeply concerned" about the allegations. It has said it is working with the police and other agencies to investigate.
The case is a reminder of the growing threat posed by Chinese espionage. China has been accused of spying on a range of countries, including the United States, Australia, and Canada.
The UK government has stepped up its efforts to counter Chinese espionage in recent years. In 2021, it announced a new National Security Strategy that identified China as one of the UK's most serious security challenges.
The arrest of Cash is a further sign of the need for the UK to be vigilant against Chinese espionage. It is a reminder that China is willing to use all means, including spying, to achieve its goals.
The case is also a reminder of the importance of security clearances. Cash was able to obtain a security clearance despite having previously been approached by Chinese intelligence agents. This raises questions about the security vetting process for those who work in sensitive positions.
