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Starmer denies ministers involved in China spy trial collapse
Sir Keir Starmer said no ministers were involved in evidence decisions that led to the dropped 2025 China spy trial, citing lack of threat designation under the prior Conservative government.
- On September 15 the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the case against Christopher Cash, former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, teacher, who were charged last year under the Official Secrets Act and denied the allegations.
- Because the alleged offences occurred between December 2021 and February 2023, Sir Keir Starmer said evidence must reflect the Tory government’s position, which did not label China a threat.
- Earlier this week Stephen Parkinson said the CPS tried “over many months” to get evidence but ministers failed to provide it, while Lord Mark Sedwill and Lord Simon Case said they were puzzled by the collapse and warned of China’s threat.
- Sir Keir Starmer said no ministers were involved in decisions about the evidence since his government took office and argued prosecutions rely on the situation at the time of the alleged offences.
- Critics say the government's China outreach may explain reluctance to label Beijing a threat, and watchdogs and former officials press for clarity as commentators warn the story won't end soon.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Center
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources are Center
46% Center
L 23%
C 46%
R 31%
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