Foreign Interference: Intelligence and Security

Matthew Offord Excerpts

Monday 17th January 2022 Commons Chamber

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend raises some tantalising recommendations, it is fair to say, for consideration. It is important that anyone who has been in contact with the individual or who has received anything from the individual continues to co-operate with our intelligence and security services.

[Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con)]

Friday’s announcement came as a surprise to many people, but not to many in Hendon, because it was in fact my predecessor, Andrew Dismore, who established the British Chinese Project in Parliament. He subsequently went on many trips to China and the Hendon Labour party received more than £6,500 in donations. When I was first elected, representatives who I can only presume were connected to this individual came to me and I rejected their overtures. I agree with the hon. Member for Aberavon (Stephen Kinnock) that we need an audit of what has gone on in our political system and in our civic society.

[Priti Patel]

My hon. Friend makes an important and valid point. I would like to speak to him about some of the points that he makes.