US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
MI5 ‘blindsided’ by blocking of China spy case: The Telegraph
Prosecutors dropped the case after finding China was not officially an enemy during 2021-2023, when Conservative leaders described it as a challenge, officials said.
- On September 15, prosecutors dropped the case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, with the Crown Prosecution Service saying proceedings halted due to an evidential failure.
- Prosecutors said the law required proof the defendants acted for an 'enemy' under the Official Secrets Act, with evidence tied to the period between 2021 and 2023 when the Conservatives were in power.
- Senior Tory voices urged scrutiny as the Tories heavily criticised the collapse, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp pressing for explanations and serious questions for ministers.
- The Prime Minister's press secretary told reporters on Monday that suggestions the government withheld evidence or restricted witnesses are untrue, while officials insisted Labour ministers must have changed position on China.
- The policy framing of China shaped legal and diplomatic consequences as Labour seeks closer trade ties with Beijing, while senior Tory figures including Kemi Badenoch described China as a 'challenge'.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions
7 Articles
7 Articles
Evening Standard+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Government refusal to brand China a threat led to spy trial collapse – DPP
The case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry was dropped on September 15.
·London, United Kingdom
Read Full Article
Coverage Details
Total News Sources7
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 33%
C 50%
R 17%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
