More UK sanctions expected over China democracy and security fears

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2024

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Britain will sanction individuals whom it alleges are involved in Chinese backed-disruption of the democratic process on Monday.

Ministers will step up pressure on China tomorrow when they set out further details of the attack on the Electoral Commission and 43 individuals, including MPs and peers.

The Politics at Jack and Sam’s podcast reveals this will include sanctioning individuals connected with the alleged efforts.

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The UK will tighten its espionage rules at the same time, with the Investigatory Powers Bill in the Commons on Monday as well.

This is one of a number of increased threats to UK and global security discussed in the podcast.

Meanwhile, Whitehall is also coming to terms with the implications of Friday night’s Moscow attack.

President Vladimir Putin has blamed Ukraine for the murder of dozens of Moscovites, in a move that could mark the beginning of a fresh escalation in the conflict.

The podcast also reveals how a former senior civil servant has written a novel detailing how Whitehall deals with security threats and funding the security services.

Sky News has approached the Chinese embassy for comment.

Email with your thoughts and rate how their predictions play out: jackandsam@sky.uk or jackandsam@politico.co.uk

Politics

Patrick Spencer: Suspended Tory MP denies sexually assaulting two women at private members’ club

Published

2 hours ago

June 16, 2025

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Patrick Spencer: Suspended Tory MP denies sexually assaulting two women at private members' club

An MP has denied two counts of sexual assault allegedly carried out at a private members’ club in central London.

Patrick Spencer, who represents Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, is accused of cupping the breasts of two women over their clothes at the Groucho Club in August 2023.

The 37-year-old confirmed his full name and date of birth before pleading not guilty to the offences at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

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He is due to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 14 July.

Spencer was suspended from the Conservative Party and had the whip withdrawn after the charges were brought.

The politician was first elected to parliament last year with a majority of 4,290.

Lawyers acting for the MP have previously said he “categorically denies the charges” and would defend against the allegations “robustly in court”.

The Groucho Club, on Dean Street, opened in 1985 and became a renowned meeting place for A-list celebrities and others, including actors, comedians and media executives.

The club was named after the comedian and actor Groucho Marx, who reportedly once said he would refuse to join any club that would have him as a member.