Lindsay Hoyle has just written to everyone in Parliament with details of an ‘Espionage Alert’ from the intelligence services. MI5 has named two head-hunters for working on behalf of the Chinese spy services:
“I am writing to you now to draw your attention to the attached Espionage Alert issued by the Security Service, MI5, to the parliamentary community. This Alert highlights how the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is actively reaching out to individuals in our community. Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf.
The Alert names two recruitment head-hunters: Amanda Qiu (BR-YR Executive Search) and Shirly Shen (Internship Union). Both are known to be using LinkedIn profiles to conduct outreach at scale on behalf of MSS. The Alert also highlights that other similar profiles are acting as fronts for espionage. MI5 has issued this Alert because the activity is targeted and widespread.”
Not great news for No10 as it tries to wriggle out of calling China a threat in its rapprochement. Golden Keir-A!
Read the full email below:
“18 November 2025
Dear colleagues,
In recent weeks we have heard much about the intent of the Chinese state to carry out activities that could undermine our democracy and harm our national security. In October, the House shared new guidance from the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) on the threat of foreign espionage and interference in Parliament – which noted that that there have been a number of cases where adversaries have sought to exploit individuals within the parliamentary community to obtain sensitive information.
I am writing to you now to draw your attention to the attached Espionage Alert issued by the Security Service, MI5, to the parliamentary community. This Alert highlights how the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) is actively reaching out to individuals in our community. Their aim is to collect information and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships, using professional networking sites, recruitment agents and consultants acting on their behalf.
The Alert names two recruitment head-hunters: Amanda Qiu (BR-YR Executive Search) and Shirly Shen (Internship Union). Both are known to be using LinkedIn profiles to conduct outreach at scale on behalf of MSS. The Alert also highlights that other similar profiles are acting as fronts for espionage. MI5 has issued this Alert because the activity is targeted and widespread.
I strongly urge you to read new guidance developed by the Parliamentary Security Department on how to stay safe on professional networking sites. This will help you to spot unusual profiles and connections, and know how to manage the risks.
You may have observed the activity outlined in the Alert, or may have received contact from the individuals identified. Reporting such approaches is an important part of maintaining our collective security, and I encourage anyone with concerns to contact the Parliamentary Security Department at TellPSD@parliament.uk, where confidential advice and support will be provided.
It is of the utmost importance that we all understand how this activity happens and how to protect ourselves against it. We all have a responsibility to keep Parliament safe.
The Lord Speaker is also writing in similar terms to Members’ staff in the House of Lords.
Further information
Information on foreign state activity in Parliament and relevant PSD security advice can be found here: ParliNet | Espionage and Foreign Interference Guidance.
Best wishes,
Sir Lindsay Hoyle
Speaker of the House of Commons
