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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Dan Sabbagh Defence and security editor

Researcher suspected of spying would have moved freely in Westminster

British Parliament, London
Even without access to classified material, a parliamentary researcher could gain an insider’s understanding of British politics. Photograph: Tayfun Salcı/Zuma Press Wire/Shutterstock

MPs, aides and journalists who knew the parliamentary aide at the heart of the China spying allegations describe a young man eager to engage with politicians on the subject of Beijing during his time at Westminster.

The former researcher, who has not been named by police, is described as in his 20s. He held a parliamentary pass, which requires the sponsorship of an MP, giving him relatively unfettered access to Westminster’s rambling parliamentary estate.

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