MPs threaten to name Chinese 'spy' linked to Prince Andrew

Allegations raise calls for caution in UK over bid to re-establish China links

- Jessica Elgot

MPs fear the government is moving too fast to re-establish UK-China relations as some consider naming the alleged spy who used his relationship with Prince Andrew to get access to the heart of the British establishment.

Ministers will come under pressure this week to set a timeline to revive the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), which had been delayed until next year, and to put China on the enhanced category for threats. Labour MPs are among those urging caution in the government's warmer approach to China after the new revelations about the closeness of the now expelled Chinese businessman to the Duke of York.

The Conservative former security minister Tom Tugendhat told the Guardian that the enhanced tier of the scheme had been "specifically designed" to tackle the operations of the Chinese organisation apparently connected to the expelled businessman. However, there is still a question mark over whether China will be designated in that category by the Labour government.

FIRS requires individuals or entities to register where they are directed by a foreign power to carry out political influence activities and there is an enhanced category for some nations, likely to include Russia and Iran.

Conservatives have claimed the scheme was ready to be put into force by the last government but the Labour security minister, Dan Jarvis, said in a letter in October that preparations for its introduction by the last government were not sufficient.

A Home Office source said the Conservatives had not left the scheme in a fit state to be enacted but that it was still the government's intention for it to come into force. There is currently a court anonymity order protecting the identity of the alleged spy - though that may be lifted.