Partner of sitting Labour MP among three arrested on suspicion of spying for China

The partner of a sitting Labour MP is among three people who have been arrested on suspicion of spying for China, the Guardian understands.

Security services are investigating foreign interference in UK democracy, including attempts to obtain information on policymaking and interfere with sovereign affairs.

A second person is understood to be the partner of a former Labour MP.

The Met police confirmed three individuals were arrested on Wednesday by counter-terrorism police on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

Detectives from counter-terrorism policing London, which is leading the investigation, arrested a 39-year-old man in London, a 68-year-old man in Powys, Wales, and a 43-year-old man in Pontyclun, Wales.

Previous cases of alleged spying within parliament have caused deep concern in Westminster, prompting warnings of a serious “systemic challenge” to British democracy.

More details soon …