'UK spying activities strengthened after HK returns'

Local newspapers of Hong Kong, including Wenweipo and Takungpo, have reported that UK's spying activities in the Special Administrative Region have been strengthened, rather than cancelled or reduced, since its return to China.

The reports say UK's intelligence has saturated into vital social and government institutions of Hong Kong, posing "grief threats" to both Hong Kong and Beijing.

The reports came after British Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire said "Britain stands ready to support in any way we can" in the face of Hong Kong's 2017 election, claiming the region's progress towards universal suffrage was "vital" to its future stability.

Hong Kong media have deemed it a out and out interference in Hong Kong's regional affairs.