What's happened
China is accused of cyber-attacks on British politicians and a hack of 40 million voters' data. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron faces questions from Conservative MPs over his previous support for closer ties with China. MPs are being briefed on the cyber threat posed by China, with specific threats against some parliamentarians. China is alleged to be threatening UK democracy through cyber attacks, with recent attempts to infiltrate MPs' digital presence.
Why it matters
The accusations of cyber-attacks by China on British politicians and voters' data are significant as they highlight national security threats and potential interference in the democratic process. The UK government's response and the scrutiny faced by the Foreign Secretary indicate the importance of addressing these cyber threats and ensuring the security of the political system.
What the papers say
The Mirror emphasizes the need for a fresh approach by the Conservative government in dealing with China, highlighting past inconsistencies and the current challenges faced. Politico focuses on the awkward position of Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who is now being questioned by Conservative MPs over his previous support for closer ties with China. Sky News reports on the briefing of MPs on the cyber threat posed by China and the specific threats against some parliamentarians, underscoring the real and ongoing risks faced by the UK.
How we got here
The relationship between the UK and China has seen shifts over the past decade, from a pro-China stance under former PM David Cameron to a more hostile approach under current Foreign Secretary David Truss. The recent cyber-attacks and threats have raised concerns about national security and the integrity of the democratic process, prompting calls for a review of the UK's relationship with China.
More on these topics
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David William Donald Cameron is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016. He was the Member of Parliament for Witney from 2001 to 2016 and leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016.
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Alicia Alexandra Martha Kearns is a British Conservative Party politician. She has been the Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton since the 2019 general election.