The DUP MP Jim Shannon has welcomed news that secret illegal Chinese 'police stations' have reportedly closed in locations across the UK, including Belfast.
The UK's Security Minister Tom Tugendhat told Parliament on Tuesday that an investigation into the overseas police station had been concluded with the assurance from the Chinese government that the stations had closed.
The stations were believed to have been used by the Chinese government to intimidate dissidents living overseas.
Read more: DUP MP raises "deep concerns" over 'illegal Chinese police station' in Northern Ireland
Mr Shannon had previously told Belfast Live that some of his constituents had reported fears that their phones were tapped and their movements were being monitored.
Some constituents said they feared for family living in Hong Kong and the Strangford MP said he welcomed Mr Tugendhat's comments.
"It confirms our suspicions that there were so-called police stations in different locations across the United Kingdom," Mr Shannon said.
"Also the fact as well that the Chinese government have closed them down, that's a confirmation that they had obviously done something, they were caught on and they've closed them.
"The response was the right response, but it does make me and hopefully as I say the British government just that wee bit more wary of all the involvements of the Chinese government across the United Kingdom.
"I would suggest and I hope that government does this, that they're also monitoring the movements of Chinese government officials in the UK.
"While there may not be a so-called police station for them to stay in and work from them, there is quite clearly the opportunity to continue some of their activities."
In a written statement to Parliament on Tuesday, Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said: "The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office have told the Chinese Embassy that any functions related to such ‘police service stations’ in the UK are unacceptable and that they must not operate in any form.
"The Chinese Embassy have subsequently responded that all such stations have closed permanently.
"Any further allegations will be swiftly investigated in line with UK law."
The probe was launched amid claims there were Chinese overseas police stations operating in Croydon, Glasgow and Hendon as well as in Belfast and being used to "monitor and harass diaspora communities and, in some cases, to coerce people to return to China outside of legitimate channels".
In the Commons statement, Mr Tugendhat said: "The police have visited each of the locations identified by Safeguard Defenders, and carefully looked into these allegations to consider whether any laws have been broken and whether any further action should be taken.
"I can confirm that they have not, to date, identified any evidence of illegal activity on behalf of the Chinese state across these sites.
"We assess that police and public scrutiny have had a suppressive impact on any administrative functions these sites may have had.
"However, these ‘police service stations’ were established without our permission and their presence, regardless of whatever low level administrative activity they were performing, will have worried and intimidated those who have left China and sought safety and freedom here in the UK. This is unacceptable.
"The Chinese authorities regularly criticise others for what they see as interference in their internal affairs. Yet, they felt able to open unattributed sites without consulting the UK Government. It is alleged that this was a pattern repeated around the world."
Earlier this year, MPs called for the stations to be shut down and the people operating them to be kicked out of the country.
Jim Shannon said it would provide come comfort for those of his constituents who had reported feeling worried.
"I think it's a strong statement from the British government, that says 'we've caught you out and we'll be watching'.
"I'd obviously raised it off the back of people who had contacted me at home and others had raised it before then too, so it's been a collective welcoming of it all.
"It's been addressed, the chair of the committee has made a clear statement, the Chinese government has responded and we certainly welcome that.
"I think some of my constituents will sleep that bit easier now but we must be ever vigilant."
Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s chief executive, said: "Any Chinese ‘police stations’ being used to spy on Hong Kong and mainland Chinese communities anywhere in the UK must be shut down immediately.
"The UK Government must defend Hong Kong and mainland Chinese people living here from Beijing’s efforts to intimidate and silence them and protect their rights to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.
"The Government must make it absolutely clear to the Chinese authorities at the highest levels that it will not tolerate the long arm of Chinese state oppression here."
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