Prince Andrew’s senior aide supported alleged Chinese spy despite warning from intelligence services
PRINCE Andrew’s senior aide supported an alleged Chinese spy despite being warned of his activities by the intelligence services, a tribunal heard.
Dominic Hampshire wrote a statement backing Yang Tengbo after the businessman was blocked from entering the UK.
The letter was to support Yang’s appeal against the ban, but its contents have been kept secret.
Several media organisations are applying for the secrecy order to be lifted on public interest grounds.
Yesterday, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission tribunal was told by media lawyers the prince’s aide showed a “lack of common sense” when he agreed to give evidence supporting the alleged spy without legal advice.
Yang, who has previously said he had “done nothing wrong or unlawful”, was excluded from the UK on national security grounds in March 2023.
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His appeal to the SIAC was rejected last year.
During a tribunal hearing, judges concluded Yang had not been honest about his links to the Chinese state and could exploit his relationship with the duke and other public figures.
Media lawyers also told the commission yesterday Mr Hampshire was in contact with UK intelligence services about Yang in 2022, well before he was excluded.
His lawyer, Jonathan Price, said his client “has not tried to hide his involvement”.
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