Chinese ‘spy’ linked to Andrew is named, MP warns Yang Tengbo ‘not a lone wolf’: Live

Sir Keir acknowledges worries about the difficulties China presents to the UK.

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A High Court judge has now revealed the name of an accused Chinese spy, who has been banned from the UK and is connected to the Duke of York. The individual is identified as Yang Tengbo.

In 2023, a 50-year-old head of a Chinese investment advisory company was banned from entering the UK because authorities believed he posed a potential risk to national security.

A High Court judge has recently removed the anonymity order, allowing the individual to be publicly identified.

The individual in question is reported to have developed a “close” relationship with the Duke of York and has been seen alongside prominent political figures such as former Prime Minister David Cameron and Baroness Theresa May.

Former Conservative leader Sir Ian Duncan Smith informed the House of Commons that Tengbo was not acting alone.

"He was part of a group of around 40,000 members from the United Works Department. According to a report from the intelligence security committee last year, which I quote, they 'are recognized by the government as having infiltrated all areas of the UK economy, engaging in spying, stealing intellectual property, and manipulating our institutions,' he stated."

Security Minister Dan Jarvis stated that the government is fully committed to utilizing all available resources to ensure the safety of the UK.

China Cautions UK Against Creating Tensions Over Spy Claims

China has cautioned the UK against causing any issues following the prohibition of a supposed Chinese spy who reportedly had strong connections with Prince Andrew.

The Chinese Embassy stated that the UK needs to “cease its political maneuvers against China and refrain from disrupting regular exchanges between the people of China and the UK” in light of the recent decision.

In 2023, Yang Tengbo, 50, was prohibited from entering the UK because authorities believed he could potentially jeopardize national security.

He was discovered to have letters meant for Beijing’s United Front Work Department, which is a covert branch of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) responsible for trying to sway foreign officials. This discovery came after his arrest in 2021.

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission learned that Mr. Yang became a trusted associate of Prince Andrew and represented him when dealing with investors in China.

Alexander Butler, December 17, 2024, at 9:57 AM.

Chinese Spy’s Identity Exposed Amid UK MPs' Fears

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"Education Secretary: No Ban On Smacking Kids"

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Prince Andrew Spy Scandal Exposes China Policy Gaps

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Yang Tengbo: The Alleged Chinese Spy Next To Prince Andrew

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Revealed: Chinese Alleged Spy’s Identity And Concerns

Jabed Ahmed, December 17, 2024, at 8:00 AM.

Yang Tengbo's Firm Aids Prince Andrew's School Expansion To China

Gordonstoun, a prestigious boarding school in the UK that counts King Charles, Prince Andrew, and Prince Philip among its alumni, has made an agreement with a company linked to an alleged Chinese spy to establish campuses in China.

Gordonstoun has teamed up with the Hampton Group, a consulting company led by Yang Tengbo, to establish as many as five schools in China and Hong Kong.

In 2019, the school released a statement highlighting a significant milestone: the announcement of the inaugural Gordonstoun school in China, set to open in 2022. The exact location of this new school will be revealed shortly, with plans to select a site that offers easy access to natural surroundings and the ocean, which are both vital elements of a Gordonstoun educational experience.

“This is a component of an ongoing partnership involving multiple schools and the Hampton Group, which focuses on strengthening connections between the UK and China.”

It stated, "In the Hampton Group, we believe we have identified the perfect partner to assist us in bringing the distinctive Gordonstoun method to China. Their dedication to fostering character growth in education was evident from our very first meeting, and we have been inspired by everything we have learned and observed from them in the months since."

The Chinese school was originally set to open in 2022, but the pandemic caused delays in the project.

The Hampton Group, a UK-based company established by Yang Tengbo, offers consulting and event services tailored for both British and Chinese businesses. According to the company, Tengbo does not participate in the daily operations of the UK branch.

Jabed Ahmed, December 17, 2024, at 7:00 AM.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that Yang Tengbo's situation is not isolated and, unfortunately, China is one of the countries that presents a “threat” to the UK.

During a press conference in London, Mr. Lammy expressed his support for the court's ruling that confirmed the Home Office's stance on Yang's exclusion from the country.

"When individuals present a danger, it's no surprise that the UK Government is fully dedicated to utilizing all available measures to counteract them."

"I brought up these concerns during my recent visit to Beijing a few weeks ago."

"To date, six people have been charged under our National Security Act. We acknowledge the risks involved, have brought these concerns to the attention of the Chinese government, and are committed to taking action when necessary."

Jabed Ahmed December 17, 2024, 6:00 AM

Prince Andrew Withdraws From Christmas Festivities Amid Spy Scandal

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UK's Plan To Combat Foreign Influence Starts In 2025

The UK government has announced that a program aimed at safeguarding the country from hidden foreign influence will begin in the summer of 2025.

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (Firs) was originally set to start in 2024, but in August, the new Labour Government announced that its rollout would be postponed.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis announced that the Government intends to present the regulations in Parliament early next year, with the aim for them to come into effect by summer.

Firs is aimed at tackling hidden political actions by foreign operatives in the UK.

The plan would require people to reveal their partners in the agreement, the specific tasks they have been assigned, and the date when the agreement was established.

The upgraded tier grants ministers the authority to mandate the registration of a wider variety of activities for certain countries, regions, or foreign government-controlled organizations. This measure is intended to safeguard the interests and safety of the UK, as stated by the Home Office.

Jabed Ahmed, December 17, 2024, 4:00 AM