Former Foreign Minister Alicia Kearns has accused the UK government and Labour Party of failing to adequately address attempts by China to influence British politics. Kearns criticised ministers for not enforcing the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), under which groups acting on behalf of foreign powers are legally required to disclose their activities. Despite the legal obligation, no organisations have registered as representing Chinese interests since the scheme’s introduction.

Kearns argued that this lack of registration stems from a reluctance within the government, particularly among Labour members, to confront the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). She claimed Labour has ignored mounting evidence of Chinese interference, describing it as an act of “appeasement” and a disregard for the victims of what she called the CCP’s “long and cruel reach.”

Highlighting broader concerns, Kearns pointed to the CCP’s alleged actions including placing bounties on Hong Kong activists, suppressing free speech in UK universities, launching cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and stealing intellectual property from British businesses. She underscored the growing threat posed by Chinese espionage and influence operations on UK soil.

Kearns also referenced a high-profile espionage case that collapsed last year, involving two men accused of spying for China, one of whom had been an aide to Kearns herself. Despite the trial’s outcome, she maintained that Chinese covert activities in the UK remain a serious and escalating security threat.

Since its inception, the FIRS has registered activities linked to countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, and Taiwan. However, no entities controlled by China have come forward to disclose their operations, raising questions about enforcement of the scheme.

Kearns called on the government to rigorously apply the existing law to guard against Chinese espionage and influence campaigns. “Until that time, the message from Labour is clear. You can undermine our laws and we won’t lift a finger to stop you,” she said.

The former foreign affairs committee chair emphasised the scale and resources behind the CCP’s intelligence efforts, pointing out that China’s Ministry of State Security employs approximately 800,000 personnel. She cited a report from the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China indicating that the CCP operates up to 75 covert influence outposts within the UK.

Responding to the criticism, the Home Office said protecting national security remains its top priority. A spokesperson noted that measures to counter state-backed threats have been strengthened and stated that the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme is under ongoing review, with the government prepared to take necessary actions to safeguard the country.