China Espionage: Government Security Response

John Cooper Excerpts

Tuesday 18th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dan Jarvis]

First, let me say that I very much appreciate the work of the hon. Member’s Committee, and specifically the report it published on transnational repression, to which we responded fully. I understand why he makes the point about FIRS. He knows what the Government’s position is at this particular moment, and I spelt it out earlier: FIRS is an important tool, and we will carefully consider how best to use it.

[John Cooper (Dumfries and Galloway) (Con)]

The Chinese general Sun Tzu said that

“the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”

Are we not presenting an opportunity for defeat when members of our military ride around in Chinese cars, and why on earth are this Government facilitating secretive trade trips to Beijing for members of the Scottish Government?

[Dan Jarvis]

Sun Tzu said a number of things, and perhaps they lend themselves to a debate all of its own. I am not aware of the specific point the hon. Member made, but I am happy to look into it if that would be helpful.