Tories underneath hearth as questions requested over ‘Chinese spy’ linked to Prince Andrew

Top Tories faced questions last night about how the alleged ­Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew could gain access to the heart of the British government.

The suspected spook, known as H6, formed a relationship with the Duke and has since been banned from the UK by a national security court. He reportedly visited royal palaces at Andrew’s invitation, while meeting PMs Theresa May and David Cameron.

Andy Burnham, Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, said that he is ­stag­­gered by the latest claims. He said: “Even in my organisation now, people will do due diligence before meetings take place.

“But a Prime Minister obviously should have the highest level of screening before people get through to meet you. You can be out on the campaign trail sometimes and a photo be taken with ­somebody you don’t know, or a party conference – that’s a little different. Having a meeting in a government is quite a serious breach and there are big questions for the security services.”

The alleged spy could be unmasked by MPs within days as pressure grows on Prince Andrew, who has said he ceased all contact with the man after advice from the government. His office said the Duke had met the man through official channels, adding: “There was nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed.”

MPs are threatening to name the alleged Chinese spy under parliamentary privilege, saying it is the only way to bring about a full investigation. The leader of Reform UK, Nigel Farage, said: “The man should be named immediately, otherwise the whole thing smacks of an establishment cover-up.

“If it is not resolved in the courts, he should be named in the Commons. It is clearly in the national interest.” Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a former Conservative leader, is also planning to seek a debate in the Commons over the businessman’s alleged activities.

He said: “Prince Andrew needs to be clear and honest. He has made a mistake. He was in a vulnerable period at the time but now he needs to be properly open about what happened. There needs to be a full, proper investigation by the security services.”

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government is ready to take action on threats to national security. Tom Tugendhat, a former Tory security minister, asked whether the police were free to investigate Andrew under the National Security Act.

Meanwhile, an expert on China says the story should force the UK to take security seriously. Jemimah Steinfeld, from Index On Censorship, said: “I am troubled by [Chinese spying in the UK] and that’s why I think the Andrew story is quite good – it’s a wake-up call.

“It’s right that the government is looking more closely at security in terms of the people who work with politicians and with information connected to China. We have seen other alleged spies working very high up within the UK government.”