MI5 accused of leaking 'Chinese spy' story to divert attention from Partygate
- MI5 is being sued for branding a Chinese solicitor as a spy for Beijing.
- Allegations suggest that the leaked 'Chinese spy' story was a distraction from the Partygate scandal.
- The situation raises concerns about potential manipulation and ulterior motives behind security alerts.
Christine Lee, a Chinese solicitor, is suing MI5 for calling her a spy, claiming that her devout Christian beliefs make her an unlikely candidate for spying. She argues that MI5 may have conspired with government officials to distract from a political scandal. MI5 issued an alert warning MPs about Lee's alleged political interference activities on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party, leading to death threats and her son losing his job. Barry Gardiner, a former Labour minister who received donations from Lee, suggested that the alert was a distraction from a political scandal. Lee denies the allegations and is taking legal action against MI5, arguing that the alert was unlawful and interfered with her human rights. MI5 defends its decision, stating that it was necessary to protect national security. The tribunal continues to hear arguments from both sides.