Cole-Hamilton presses Scottish Government for action on Chinese state surveillance

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has urged the Scottish Government to act now to assess the reach of Chinese state surveillance in Scotland.  

Speaking after the exchange, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:  

“Any suggestion that our democratic institutions are now open to infiltration by agents of the Chinese Communist Party should worry us all.  

“Scottish Liberal Democrats previously revealed that at least 11 local authorities use cameras manufactured by Chinese firm Hikvision. Chinese national intelligence law requires companies like Hikvision to cooperate with their intelligence services, leaving the day-to-day hold open to potential intrusion and misuse.  

“That is why my party are now calling for a comprehensive review into the reach of Chinese state surveillance in Scotland and for parliamentary and government authorities both here and in London to urgently review security vetting processes, given this new and heightened risk to our national security.

“Having previously admitted that its CCTV guidance in public spaces is now out of date, I also want to see the Scottish Government publishing fresh guidelines as a matter of urgency and ensuring that it keeps Parliament updated on any progress.”