British police have charged three men with aiding the Hong Kong intelligence service amidst concerns of foreign interference in the U.K. The three men were part of a group of 11 individuals arrested earlier this month in Yorkshire and London by counterterrorism police. They are also charged with foreign interference and will appear in court on Monday.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is set to address the nation about the growing threats from “authoritarian states” such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. The arrests come as part of a wider effort to combat foreign espionage and interference in the U.K.
The British government implemented new legislation last year to empower police in tackling foreign espionage. The arrests were made on May 1 and 2, and the investigation is ongoing. The government emphasizes the importance of safeguarding democracy, economy, and values from hostile activity targeting the U.K.
