British counter-terrorism police have arrested three men, including the partner of a sitting member of Parliament, as part of an investigation into suspected espionage activities connected to China.

Authorities said the men, aged thirty-nine, forty-three and sixty-eight, were detained during coordinated operations in London and Wales on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service.

The arrests were carried out under the United Kingdom’s National Security Act, legislation introduced to strengthen the country’s ability to counter foreign interference and espionage threats.

One of the individuals taken into custody is the husband of Labour Member of Parliament Joani Reid, who represents the Scottish constituency of East Kilbride and Strathaven.

Reid confirmed that her partner was among those arrested but stressed that she had no involvement in the matter and no prior knowledge of any alleged activity.

She said neither she nor her children are connected to her husband’s professional dealings and emphasized that she has not engaged in parliamentary work related to China.

Police said the arrests form part of an ongoing counter-terrorism investigation into suspected attempts by foreign actors to influence or gather intelligence within the United Kingdom.

Detectives also conducted searches at several properties in London, Cardiff, Pontyclun and East Kilbride as part of the operation.

Officials have not publicly named the suspects and said no formal charges have yet been filed.

Investigators indicated that the detained men remain in custody while inquiries continue, including examinations of electronic devices and financial records that could shed light on possible links to foreign intelligence services.

Security authorities emphasized that the arrests were precautionary and that there is no immediate threat to public safety.

Nevertheless, the case highlights persistent concerns within the British government and intelligence community about foreign interference targeting democratic institutions and political processes.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis told lawmakers that the government takes allegations of foreign espionage extremely seriously and will pursue all available legal measures to protect national security.

Officials also reiterated that the National Security Act was specifically designed to give investigators stronger tools to respond to covert influence campaigns and intelligence operations.

The arrests come amid a broader pattern of investigations in Britain and across Europe into alleged efforts by foreign governments to obtain political information, influence policy debates or monitor dissident communities abroad.

As the inquiry continues, British authorities say they are working closely with intelligence partners to assess the scope of the suspected activity and determine whether additional individuals or networks may be involved.