Questions for Cameron over backing for Chinese port project in Sri Lanka

David Cameron is facing further questions about whether he was paid by Chinese interests to promote a port development in Sri Lanka, as new footage emerged of him extolling its benefits.

- Rowena Mason

In the video from two months ago, the former prime minister can be seen telling investors in Dubai that he wanted to "correct misapprehensions" about the project and quoting from a Chinese-funded study in support of the development.

Cameron, now the foreign secretary, has been under pressure over his paid speeches to drum up support for the Sri Lankan port city, which is being built by a Chinese state firm, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).

He has claimed not to have engaged with CHEC in relation to the speeches, with his spokesperson saying he was hired by KPMG Sri Lanka.

However, Pat McFadden, the shadow Cabinet Office minister, asked in parliament yesterday whether the Chinese state firm or the Sri Lankan government was ultimately the client behind the payment. John Glen, the government minister responding for the Cabinet Office, said it was not a matter for him to answer but that Cameron had complied with the relevant processes.