2023-04-06
The Independent reports that the APPGs (all-party parliamentary groups of MPs with interests in specific topics) are being investigated to ascertain if they are receiving funds from foreign governments.
That may be thought to indicate possible security breaches, due to likelihood of conflicts of interest, particularly with regard to links to China.
"Labour MP xxxx, the former chairman of the now disbanded Chinese in Britain APPG, received more than £500,000 in donations from Christine Lee before MI5 warned she was a spy"
I think that's a good move - it reinforces the need to be aware of the risks posed by conflicts of interest, so that when the time comes to check out the similar links to big corporate interests (many of which may also have an international dimension), the public may be prepared for the outcome.
