The Lords supported the National Security (State Threats) Bill in principle, but pressed ministers to tighten its drafting and limit the risk that new offences could catch charities, humanitarian groups and conflict-mediation work. Peers also questioned whether the bill should go further on organisations linked to hostile states such as Iran’s IRGC and the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department; the minister promised a formal assurance on exemptions, said any future body designations would need Parliament’s approval, and confirmed passport seizure powers would be left to later legislation.

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Ministers were urged to review the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office and strengthen protections for Hong Kongers in the UK after two men were jailed for helping a foreign intelligence service; the Government said the office still has a legitimate trade role, but promised continued monitoring, tighter vetting and police support for people at risk of transnational repression.

Peers pressed ministers on the discovery of an electronic device in a shared area of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and on reports of hidden cameras and tracking devices linked to concerns about Chinese influence. The Government said the matter is under investigation, rejected claims that a tracker was found in a former prime minister’s car, and refused to speculate before the security inquiries are complete.