Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential threat from China to UK national security; and when she plans to make a decision on the status of China in relation to the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

We continually assess potential threats to the UK and treat the protection of our national security with the upmost seriousness. Upholding national security and keeping the public safe is the first duty of Government.

We are taking a consistent, long term and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China. We will co-operate where we can; compete where we need to; and challenge where we must, including on issues of national security.

With regards to FIRS, I told the House in March, we intend to lay regulations before Parliament as soon as possible with a view to having the scheme up and running by the summer.