Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden has told the House of Commons that China's latest cyber attack on the UK is "malicious", as he imposed sanctions on the nation.

Speaking to MPs this afternoon, Dowden told the Chamber: "We recognise the seriousness of this issue, particularly in a year when so many democratic elections will be taking place around the world. Members, we want to be reassured that the government is taking steps to address the associated threat.

"I can confirm today that Chinese state affiliated actors were responsible for two malicious cyber campaigns targeting both our democratic institutions and parliamentarians. First, the compromise of the United Kingdom Electoral Commission between 2021 and 2022, which was announced last summer, and second attempted reconnaissance activity against UK parliamentary accounts in a separate campaign in 2021.

"Later today, a number of our international partners, including the United States, will be issuing similar statements to expose this activity."