James Saunders
Guest Reporter
MPs' threats to invoke Parliamentary privilege in order to name alleged Chinese spy "H6" have paid off after his real name was revealed this afternoon.
The alleged agent was named as Yang Tengbo in the High Court on Monday afternoon - just hours before his cover would have been lifted in the Commons following threats from MPs across several parties.
H6 was first excluded from Britain by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman in 2023 - when the Home Office said he was believed to have carried out "covert and deceptive activity" for the Chinese Communist Party.
Alongside links to Prince Andrew, the alleged spy has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.
In a statement issued on his behalf, Yang said he had done "nothing wrong or unlawful" and descriptions of him as an alleged spy were "entirely untrue".
The statement also said he had voluntarily waived his right to anonymity.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR MORE LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY...
“Due to the high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere, I have asked my legal team to disclose my identity. I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue.
“This is why I applied for a review of the Home Office decision in the first place, and why I am seeking permission to appeal the SIAC decision. It is also why an order extending my anonymity up to the point of determination of the appeal process was granted.
“I have been excluded from seeing most of the evidence that was used against me under a process which is widely acknowledged by SIAC practitioners as inherently unfair: decisions are made based on secret evidence and closed proceedings, which has been described as ‘taking blind shots at a hidden target’.
“On their own fact finding, even the three judges in this case concluded that there was ‘not an abundance of evidence’ against me, their decision was ‘finely balanced’, and there could be an ‘innocent explanation’ for my activities. This has not been reported in the media.
“The political climate has changed, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to this. When relations are good, and Chinese investment is sought, I am welcome in the UK. When relations sour, an anti-China stance is taken, and I am excluded.
“I am an independent self-made entrepreneur and I have always aimed to foster partnerships and build bridges between East and West. I have dedicated my professional life in the UK to building links between British and Chinese businesses. My activities have played a part in bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the UK.
“I built my private life in the UK over two decades and love the country as my second home. I would never do anything to harm the interests of the UK.”
Nigel Farage has laid into "two-tier justice" in Britain after the woman who threw a milkshake over him in Clacton-on-Sea was spared jail.
OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, had previously admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage after covering the Reform UK leader with the drink back in June.
After her arrest, the 25-year-old told officers she "does not agree with his political views", and doused him with the banana-flavoured drink on sight as she "had the opportunity".
Thomas Bowen told police she did not intend for the drink to hit Farage, but prosecutor Nishma Shah told Westminster Magistrates' Court that she said "she did not regret her actions".
"We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison," Nigel Farage said in response.
"The latest example of two-tier justice."
Thomas Bowen has been handed a 13-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
No10 has denied the existence of a "surrender squad" set up to put Britain back in the EU, just one day after the Prime Minister was accused of mounting a "Brexit betrayal".
A team of over 100 civil servants was said to have been assembled to run the UK’s negotiations with Brussels, with insiders saying its purpose is to invalidate the 2016 vote to leave the EU.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the team hadn't been set up - but did say there was a group in place to deal with the future of EU-UK relations.
"There is a group of people who were working in the Foreign Office who have been moved to the Cabinet Office to secure the best possible deal for the UK in relation to the EU," he said.
Rupert Lowe has weighed into the backlash to Victoria Thomas Bowen's sentencing today, with his comments echoing Nigel Farage's attack on "two-tier justice".
The Great Yarmouth MP said: "Saying unpleasant things on social media can land you months in prison, but apparently you can assault a Reform MP and avoid jail. We live in dark times."
Sir Keir Starmer has been branded the worst Prime Minister in modern history after just five months in the role, marking just the latest horror poll for the PM.
Fresh data from pollsters at Ipsos has handed Starmer a -34 'satisfaction rating' after five months in charge - worse than any other PM since the 1970s.
Just 27 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied with his performance, while an overwhelming 61 per cent were dissatisfied.
Rounding out the top three for most unpopular PMs after five months was Gordon Brown (-23) and Rishi Sunak (-22).
On the other end of the scale, Sir Tony Blair saw an overwhelming +57 in 1997, while Sir John Major enjoyed a +33 at the same stage of his time in charge.
It's not just personal - confidence in the economy under Starmer is the second worst in modern history, the poll discovered, with just 15 per cent of Britons believing it will improve over the next year.
Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (65 per cent) think it will get worse - contributing to Starmer's "net optimism" rating of -49 on the economy.
Ipsos surveyed 1,028 voters between November 27 and December 4.
Labour has been accused of "running scared" from Reform UK at the ballot box after it emerged that local elections in a number of the surging party's target areas are at risk of cancellation.
This morning, local government minister Jim McMahon said some local elections next year may not go ahead as local authorities could be closed or merged - prompting fury from Reform, which has seen success across a range of council votes, even from a "standing start".
Kent, Essex, Lancashire, Hertfordshire and Sussex are thought to be areas in which Labour is considering calling off local elections as part of Angela Rayner's "devolution" drive.
But with Reform targeting seats all over the country ahead of the May elections, the party and its leading figures have issued a series of dire warnings over Labour's "threat to democracy".
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
A woman who threw a milkshake over Nigel Farage on the campaign trail in Clacton has avoided jail.
OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen, from the Essex seaside town, had previously admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage after covering the Reform UK leader with the drink back in June.
As Farage was leaving Clacton-on-Sea's Moon and Starfish pub, Thomas Bowen emerged from the crowd and launched the milkshake at him, Essex Police said.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Sir Keir Starmer's trip to Norway and Estonia is expected to increase the PM's total time spent in the air to over one week in the few months since the General Election.
Political blog Guido Fawkes reports that Starmer has now spent 169 hours and 15 minutes - or more than seven days - in the air on a selection of international engagements - with his longest trip to Samoa clocking in at 42 hours and 56 minutes of flight time.
By Monday, the Prime Minister's travel time to Norway is said to sit at around 2 hours and 35 minutes in the air.
The SNP has been told to "show some common sense" after pledging hundreds of thousands of pounds in taxpayer cash to Sudan.
The devolved Government has pledged £375,000 to the war-torn state, which itself follows a £12.5million spend on education initiatives in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia.
But with the UK's foreign affairs traditionally handled in Westminster, Scottish Tories have urged the country's ruling party to turn its attention closer to home.
"Whilst this is well-intentioned and a worthy cause, the public may question whether this is the best use of taxpayers' money,” Craig Hoy, the Scottish Conservatives' finance spokesman said.
"Given that foreign affairs are a reserved power and that significant sums are being channelled through that route, SNP ministers should instead prioritise Scotland’s public services which are bearing the brunt of years of SNP financial mismanagement.
"The SNP should show some common sense and fund our own services adequately before looking to spend money in matters reserved to Westminster."
SNP chief John Swinney said: "The situation in Sudan is harrowing, and this funding demonstrates Scotland's commitment to standing with those in dire need. We are helping charity partners to provide urgent assistance to address the devastating impact of conflict, famine, and displacement.
"As a responsible global citizen, Scotland stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sudan during this dark chapter in their country’s history. Our thoughts are with the millions struggling to survive and facing an uncertain future."
Labour has approved the £3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group, the Business Secretary has confirmed.
"For too many years, progress on securing a stable future at Royal Mail has stalled, but from day one we have been committed to providing a secure future for thousands of workers and customers," Jonathan Reynolds said.
"I'd like to thank EP Group and Daniel Křetínský for their constructive approach to our discussions and their commitment to protecting this national icon. I look forward to working with them to fix the foundations and ensure Royal Mail continues to deliver for the communities and businesses who rely on it most," he added.
As part of the takeover, Britain will maintain a "golden share" in Royal Mail - with the Government holding onto power over major decisions about Royal Mail's ownership, headquarters location and tax residency.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has urged Labour to reconsider its "cruel" family farm tax raids in the wake of this morning's damning CBI Economics report.
Writing on social media, Griffith said: "Thieves Reeves has got her sums wrong on Business Property Relief: It will COST more than it raises.
"Which is no surprise to anyone to anyone who remembers the story of killing the golden goose.
"Family businesses are the lifeblood of their communities. Labour must change course."
Tory MP Esther McVey has laid into Rachel Reeves after it emerged that her inheritance tax raid is set to cost the Treasury £1.26billion more than it raises.
The Chancellor's tax raid on family businesses and farms is expected to generate £1.38billion in extra inheritance tax revenue over five years, but the loss of economic activity will lead to a £2.6billion reduction in other tax income, according to an analysis by CBI Economics.
And the MP for Tatton has lashed out at Reeves in response.
Writing on social media, McVey said: "According to analysis by the CBI, Rachel from accounts has got her inheritance tax sums all wrong!"
"Labour economics," she jabbed.
READ THE FULL STORY ON THE CBI'S INHERITANCE TAX WARNING HERE
Top Tories have warned that there are "many, many more" alleged Chinese spies in Britain as details continue to emerge about the mysterious Prince Andrew-linked "H6".
Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said the allegations were merely the "tip of the iceberg" - and was "sure" that Chinese agents were "active right now in attempting to influence journalism, academics, politics, and the whole lot".
"I can understand why it's been about Prince Andrew, but it's not really about Prince Andrew. It's about the way the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to exert influence here in the United Kingdom," he told the BBC.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the same, telling the broadcaster: "We're dealing with the tip of the iceberg. The fact is there are many more like him (H6) in the UK. There are many more doing the job that he's been doing, and the fact he was leaving the UK tells you that he realised at some point he was going to get caught.
"The reality is that there are many, many more involved in exactly this kind of espionage that's taking place. The reality for us is very simple - China is a very clear threat."
It comes after Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice said he will invoke parliamentary privilege to identify the man currently known as "H6" as soon as today in a bid to uncover a "stitch-up and a cover-up" by the Establishment.
READ THE FULL STORY ON REFORM'S THREAT TO NAME H6 HERE
Labour has been accused of having its priorities in the wrong place in the wake of its £50million-valued foreign aid spend on Syria.
Reform UK's Rupert Lowe warned that splashing the cash abroad while Labour was readying up to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment was "a poor decision" and a neglection of British pensioners.
He said: "A £50million package for Syria when millions of British pensioners have had their heating allowance stripped away is a poor decision.
"Vulnerable and desperate British pensioners MUST come first. Priorities, David Lammy."
The Great Yarmouth MP added: "All this money can be found for Syria, overseas climate aid, foreign farmers and whatever else.
"What about the freezing British pensioners who have paid into the system their entire lives? Reeves talks of difficult decisions - she's made her choice very clear."
Welcome back to GB News' Politics LIVE blog.
We'll be updating this page throughout the day with live politics updates as they come in.
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The alleged agent was named as Yang Tengbo in the High Court on Monday afternoon - just hours before his cover would have been lifted in the Commons following threats from MPs across several parties.
H6 was first excluded from Britain by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman in 2023 - when the Home Office said he was believed to have carried out "covert and deceptive activity" for the Chinese Communist Party.
Alongside links to Prince Andrew, the alleged spy has also been pictured with senior politicians including Lord David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.
In a statement issued on his behalf, Yang said he had done "nothing wrong or unlawful" and descriptions of him as an alleged spy were "entirely untrue".
The statement also said he had voluntarily waived his right to anonymity.
FOLLOW BELOW FOR MORE LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY...
READ IN FULL: 'Chinese spy' Yang Tengbo's statement
“Due to the high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere, I have asked my legal team to disclose my identity. I have done nothing wrong or unlawful and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded. The widespread description of me as a ‘spy’ is entirely untrue.
“This is why I applied for a review of the Home Office decision in the first place, and why I am seeking permission to appeal the SIAC decision. It is also why an order extending my anonymity up to the point of determination of the appeal process was granted.
“I have been excluded from seeing most of the evidence that was used against me under a process which is widely acknowledged by SIAC practitioners as inherently unfair: decisions are made based on secret evidence and closed proceedings, which has been described as ‘taking blind shots at a hidden target’.
“On their own fact finding, even the three judges in this case concluded that there was ‘not an abundance of evidence’ against me, their decision was ‘finely balanced’, and there could be an ‘innocent explanation’ for my activities. This has not been reported in the media.
“The political climate has changed, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to this. When relations are good, and Chinese investment is sought, I am welcome in the UK. When relations sour, an anti-China stance is taken, and I am excluded.
“I am an independent self-made entrepreneur and I have always aimed to foster partnerships and build bridges between East and West. I have dedicated my professional life in the UK to building links between British and Chinese businesses. My activities have played a part in bringing hundreds of millions of pounds of investment into the UK.
“I built my private life in the UK over two decades and love the country as my second home. I would never do anything to harm the interests of the UK.”
Nigel Farage left furious over milkshake attacker court verdict as he hits out at 'two-tier justice'
Nigel Farage has laid into "two-tier justice" in Britain after the woman who threw a milkshake over him in Clacton-on-Sea was spared jail.
OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen, 25, had previously admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage after covering the Reform UK leader with the drink back in June.
After her arrest, the 25-year-old told officers she "does not agree with his political views", and doused him with the banana-flavoured drink on sight as she "had the opportunity".
Thomas Bowen told police she did not intend for the drink to hit Farage, but prosecutor Nishma Shah told Westminster Magistrates' Court that she said "she did not regret her actions".
"We now live in a country where you can assault a Member of Parliament and not go to prison," Nigel Farage said in response.
"The latest example of two-tier justice."
Thomas Bowen has been handed a 13-week sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.
Downing Street quashes 'surrender squad' claims as Starmer distances himself from Brexit betrayal
No10 has denied the existence of a "surrender squad" set up to put Britain back in the EU, just one day after the Prime Minister was accused of mounting a "Brexit betrayal".
A team of over 100 civil servants was said to have been assembled to run the UK’s negotiations with Brussels, with insiders saying its purpose is to invalidate the 2016 vote to leave the EU.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said the team hadn't been set up - but did say there was a group in place to deal with the future of EU-UK relations.
"There is a group of people who were working in the Foreign Office who have been moved to the Cabinet Office to secure the best possible deal for the UK in relation to the EU," he said.
Rupert Lowe weighs into 'two-tier' milkshake verdict - 'We live in dark times'
Rupert Lowe has weighed into the backlash to Victoria Thomas Bowen's sentencing today, with his comments echoing Nigel Farage's attack on "two-tier justice".
The Great Yarmouth MP said: "Saying unpleasant things on social media can land you months in prison, but apparently you can assault a Reform MP and avoid jail. We live in dark times."
From earlier: Starmer voted 'worst PM in modern history' after just five months in the job, horror polling reveals
Sir Keir Starmer has been branded the worst Prime Minister in modern history after just five months in the role, marking just the latest horror poll for the PM.
Fresh data from pollsters at Ipsos has handed Starmer a -34 'satisfaction rating' after five months in charge - worse than any other PM since the 1970s.
Just 27 per cent of those surveyed were satisfied with his performance, while an overwhelming 61 per cent were dissatisfied.
Rounding out the top three for most unpopular PMs after five months was Gordon Brown (-23) and Rishi Sunak (-22).
On the other end of the scale, Sir Tony Blair saw an overwhelming +57 in 1997, while Sir John Major enjoyed a +33 at the same stage of his time in charge.
It's not just personal - confidence in the economy under Starmer is the second worst in modern history, the poll discovered, with just 15 per cent of Britons believing it will improve over the next year.
Almost two-thirds of those surveyed (65 per cent) think it will get worse - contributing to Starmer's "net optimism" rating of -49 on the economy.
Ipsos surveyed 1,028 voters between November 27 and December 4.
Labour accused of 'running scared' by Reform UK as Angela Rayner eyes up CANCELLING local elections in surging party's target areas
Labour has been accused of "running scared" from Reform UK at the ballot box after it emerged that local elections in a number of the surging party's target areas are at risk of cancellation.
This morning, local government minister Jim McMahon said some local elections next year may not go ahead as local authorities could be closed or merged - prompting fury from Reform, which has seen success across a range of council votes, even from a "standing start".
Kent, Essex, Lancashire, Hertfordshire and Sussex are thought to be areas in which Labour is considering calling off local elections as part of Angela Rayner's "devolution" drive.
But with Reform targeting seats all over the country ahead of the May elections, the party and its leading figures have issued a series of dire warnings over Labour's "threat to democracy".
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Nigel Farage milkshake attacker DODGES jail after admitting to offence
A woman who threw a milkshake over Nigel Farage on the campaign trail in Clacton has avoided jail.
OnlyFans model Victoria Thomas Bowen, from the Essex seaside town, had previously admitted to assault by beating and criminal damage after covering the Reform UK leader with the drink back in June.
As Farage was leaving Clacton-on-Sea's Moon and Starfish pub, Thomas Bowen emerged from the crowd and launched the milkshake at him, Essex Police said.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
Starmer airborne for over 7 DAYS as PM keeps up slew of foreign trips
Sir Keir Starmer's trip to Norway and Estonia is expected to increase the PM's total time spent in the air to over one week in the few months since the General Election.
Political blog Guido Fawkes reports that Starmer has now spent 169 hours and 15 minutes - or more than seven days - in the air on a selection of international engagements - with his longest trip to Samoa clocking in at 42 hours and 56 minutes of flight time.
By Monday, the Prime Minister's travel time to Norway is said to sit at around 2 hours and 35 minutes in the air.
Now SNP slapped with foreign aid warning after splurging Scottish taxpayers' cash on Africa - 'Show some common sense!'
The SNP has been told to "show some common sense" after pledging hundreds of thousands of pounds in taxpayer cash to Sudan.
The devolved Government has pledged £375,000 to the war-torn state, which itself follows a £12.5million spend on education initiatives in Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia.
But with the UK's foreign affairs traditionally handled in Westminster, Scottish Tories have urged the country's ruling party to turn its attention closer to home.
"Whilst this is well-intentioned and a worthy cause, the public may question whether this is the best use of taxpayers' money,” Craig Hoy, the Scottish Conservatives' finance spokesman said.
"Given that foreign affairs are a reserved power and that significant sums are being channelled through that route, SNP ministers should instead prioritise Scotland’s public services which are bearing the brunt of years of SNP financial mismanagement.
"The SNP should show some common sense and fund our own services adequately before looking to spend money in matters reserved to Westminster."
SNP chief John Swinney said: "The situation in Sudan is harrowing, and this funding demonstrates Scotland's commitment to standing with those in dire need. We are helping charity partners to provide urgent assistance to address the devastating impact of conflict, famine, and displacement.
"As a responsible global citizen, Scotland stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Sudan during this dark chapter in their country’s history. Our thoughts are with the millions struggling to survive and facing an uncertain future."
Labour approves £3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail's parent company by Czech billionaire
Labour has approved the £3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky's EP Group, the Business Secretary has confirmed.
"For too many years, progress on securing a stable future at Royal Mail has stalled, but from day one we have been committed to providing a secure future for thousands of workers and customers," Jonathan Reynolds said.
"I'd like to thank EP Group and Daniel Křetínský for their constructive approach to our discussions and their commitment to protecting this national icon. I look forward to working with them to fix the foundations and ensure Royal Mail continues to deliver for the communities and businesses who rely on it most," he added.
As part of the takeover, Britain will maintain a "golden share" in Royal Mail - with the Government holding onto power over major decisions about Royal Mail's ownership, headquarters location and tax residency.
READ THE FULL STORY HERE
'Labour MUST change course!' Shadow Business Secretary joins Reeves pile-on after damning Treasury figures emerge
Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith has urged Labour to reconsider its "cruel" family farm tax raids in the wake of this morning's damning CBI Economics report.
Writing on social media, Griffith said: "Thieves Reeves has got her sums wrong on Business Property Relief: It will COST more than it raises.
"Which is no surprise to anyone to anyone who remembers the story of killing the golden goose.
"Family businesses are the lifeblood of their communities. Labour must change course."
Esther McVey takes swipe at Chancellor as inheritance tax raid revealed to cost £1BILLION more than it raises - 'Rachel from accounts has got her sums all wrong!'
Tory MP Esther McVey has laid into Rachel Reeves after it emerged that her inheritance tax raid is set to cost the Treasury £1.26billion more than it raises.
The Chancellor's tax raid on family businesses and farms is expected to generate £1.38billion in extra inheritance tax revenue over five years, but the loss of economic activity will lead to a £2.6billion reduction in other tax income, according to an analysis by CBI Economics.
And the MP for Tatton has lashed out at Reeves in response.
Writing on social media, McVey said: "According to analysis by the CBI, Rachel from accounts has got her inheritance tax sums all wrong!"
"Labour economics," she jabbed.
READ THE FULL STORY ON THE CBI'S INHERITANCE TAX WARNING HERE
Dire warnings issued over Chinese spies in Britain as Reform UK considers naming 'H6' in Parliament
Top Tories have warned that there are "many, many more" alleged Chinese spies in Britain as details continue to emerge about the mysterious Prince Andrew-linked "H6".
Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said the allegations were merely the "tip of the iceberg" - and was "sure" that Chinese agents were "active right now in attempting to influence journalism, academics, politics, and the whole lot".
"I can understand why it's been about Prince Andrew, but it's not really about Prince Andrew. It's about the way the Chinese Communist Party is seeking to exert influence here in the United Kingdom," he told the BBC.
Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said the same, telling the broadcaster: "We're dealing with the tip of the iceberg. The fact is there are many more like him (H6) in the UK. There are many more doing the job that he's been doing, and the fact he was leaving the UK tells you that he realised at some point he was going to get caught.
"The reality is that there are many, many more involved in exactly this kind of espionage that's taking place. The reality for us is very simple - China is a very clear threat."
It comes after Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice said he will invoke parliamentary privilege to identify the man currently known as "H6" as soon as today in a bid to uncover a "stitch-up and a cover-up" by the Establishment.
READ THE FULL STORY ON REFORM'S THREAT TO NAME H6 HERE
Backlash to Labour's £50m Syria splurge grows amid winter fears for pensioners
Labour has been accused of having its priorities in the wrong place in the wake of its £50million-valued foreign aid spend on Syria.
Reform UK's Rupert Lowe warned that splashing the cash abroad while Labour was readying up to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment was "a poor decision" and a neglection of British pensioners.
He said: "A £50million package for Syria when millions of British pensioners have had their heating allowance stripped away is a poor decision.
"Vulnerable and desperate British pensioners MUST come first. Priorities, David Lammy."
The Great Yarmouth MP added: "All this money can be found for Syria, overseas climate aid, foreign farmers and whatever else.
"What about the freezing British pensioners who have paid into the system their entire lives? Reeves talks of difficult decisions - she's made her choice very clear."
Politics LIVE
Welcome back to GB News' Politics LIVE blog.
We'll be updating this page throughout the day with live politics updates as they come in.
Find Out More...