It’s been a difficult week for Sinosceptics in Westminster, following the revelation that a parliamentary researcher was arrested in March on suspicion of spying for China. Much of the media attention has focused on the MPs to whom the researcher was linked: namely Alicia Kearns and Tom Tugendhat. For the past three years they have championed the ‘cautious engagement’ school of thought on China. This is in contrast to the more hardline position adopted by Sir Iain Duncan Smith and supporters in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China.

The two bands have sometimes clashed since Ipac’s formation in June 2020. But now, amid attempts by Chinese state media to turn the national security row into a petty party feud, Ipac has sought to offer solidarity to the likes of Tugendhat and Kearns. Luke de Pulford, Ipac’s co-ordinator, told Steerpike that

If it turns out [the accused] was indeed spying for China, Tom and Alicia were clearly victims. Both MPs pushed the envelope on China in different ways, within and without government, and were likely targeted because of it. Turning guns on either of them lets the real culprit off the hook, and hands Beijing another victory. State media mouthpiece the Global Times argued only yesterday that the UK should not ‘smear’ China with fantastical spy stories, but should concentrate on healing ‘internal party divisions’. It would be useful idiocy of the highest order to amplify this CCP propaganda.

Something to remember perhaps for some of those making mischief in Westminster…