The director of public prosecutions should explain why he felt he could not proceed with the trial of two men accused of spying for China, a government minister has said after No 10 published key evidence in an attempt to draw a line under the row. Stephen Kinnock said the government was “deeply disappointed that the prosecution didn’t go ahead” and that Stephen Parkinson was “the best person to explain” why the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) felt the government’s evidence did not meet the bar. Kinnock’s comments, which were echoed…
Tag: Espionage
China spy row: what do the witness statements say and what is their significance?
On Wednesday night ministers released three witness statements by Matthew Collins, one of the UK’s deputy national security advisers, in connection with the failed prosecution of two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who were accused of spying for China. The statements span 18 months and two different governments, and are at the heart of a row about who, if anyone, was to blame for the case collapsing. Both Cash and Berry have denied any wrongdoing. Below are some key passages and their potential significance. 1. “As set out…
Government to respond to Commons urgent question on China spy case witness statements – UK politics live
Ex-cyber security chief says Dominic Cummings’ claim about China compromising UK’s biggest secrets ‘categorically untrue’ In a separate China develoment, a former cyber security chief has strongly denied a claim made by Dominic Cummings yesterday about the extent of Chinese infiltration of UK intelligence. In an interview with the Times yesterday, Cummings, Boris Johnson’s former chief adviser, recalled a meeting in No 10 when he and the then PM were told about a Chinese hack that led to extremely secret information being compromised. Cummings said: What I’m saying is that…
No 10 moves to end China spy row – but threat of further fallout lingers
When Keir Starmer finally read the witness statement from his deputy national security adviser for the trial of two British men accused of spying for China, some of his frustration about the collapse of the case began to dissipate. His government had been besieged by the Tories for two weeks over its role, being accused of “secretly sabotaging” the trial, “blocking” key witnesses and “hiding behind process”, all to avoid having to tell a court that China was an enemy. Media reports suggested the refusal by the government to describe…
Questions for CPS after No 10 publishes key witness statements in China spy row
The Crown Prosecution Service abandoned a case against two Britons accused of spying for China despite being told by the UK’s deputy national security adviser that Beijing’s intelligence agencies “harm the interests and security of the UK”. Three witness statements were released by Keir Starmer on Wednesday night in an effort to draw a line under a row over why the case was dropped against the two, one of whom also warned the other in a message: “You’re in spy territory now.” Charges against Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher,…
Trump’s fragile ceasefire plan: what next for Gaza? – podcast
As the Gaza ceasefire continues to hold, what road lies ahead in the peace process? John Harris speaks to the Guardian’s diplomatic editor, Patrick Wintour. Plus, what is at the heart of the Chinese spying case row? Why has Rachel Reeves changed her tone when it comes to Brexit? What’s behind the Green party’s surge in membership? And should Labour follow Zack Polanski’s lead in taking the fight to Reform? Kiran Stacey joins Harris to discuss The Guardian
Starmer only read China spy witness statements this morning, No 10 says, as Cleverly accuses PM of misquoting him – as it happened
From 17h ago Starmer only read China spy case witness statements this morning, No 10 says Here are the main lines from the NO 10 post-PMQs lobby briefing. The PM’s spokesperson explained why the government was publishing its China spy case witness statements now, when yesterday officials were saying the CPS were opposed to this. The spokesperson said: Prior to last night, the CPS had made clear that witnesses have an expectation that their evidence will not be publicly discussed in those circumstances. The CPS had also advised that to…
The Guardian view on the China spy trial: an opportunity for Labour to prove it understands the threat from Beijing | Editorial
No single word describes the challenge that China poses for UK foreign policy. There is threat and opportunity; a requirement to engage and an imperative to be guarded. The Communist party in Beijing represses dissent and pursues its interests overseas with coercive nationalist determination. It is not a regime with which Britain can build a relationship based on common values. But China is also a superpower with near-monopoly control of some mineral resources and pre-eminence in important manufacturing supply chains. Trusting friendship is not an option; hostile rejection is unrealistic.…
Key witness statement in China spy row to be published, says Starmer
Downing Street will publish a witness statement from the deputy national security adviser that is seen as central to the decision to withdraw spying charges against two British men, Keir Starmer has said. Updating MPs at the start of prime minister’s questions, Starmer said the statement by Matthew Collins would be released after a “short process” to ensure all the information within it could be published. The announcement followed a statement late on Tuesday from the Crown Prosecution Service, which said it had no objection to the release of the…
Pressure on Downing Street to release evidence in collapsed China spy case
Downing Street is under pressure to publish its evidence in the collapsed China spy case after the Crown Prosecution Service denied having blocked its release. Keir Starmer is likely to come under scrutiny at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday after the CPS said it was up to the government to release the evidence. The government has faced mounting pressure over its handling of the collapsed trial of Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, a teacher. Both men, who deny wrongdoing, had been accused of passing secrets to…