The Home Secretary has rejected claims that Labour officials were responsible for the collapse of a high-profile Chinese spying trial. The prosecution withdrew the case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, prompting criticism and disappointment from Labour’s Shabana Mahmood, who expressed her desire for the trial to proceed, reports BritPanorama.
Both accused, with Cash previously serving as a parliamentary researcher, face allegations of passing sensitive information to Beijing, which they categorically deny. Further complicating matters, Downing Street national security adviser Jonathan Powell has been alleged to have intervened, labeling China an “enemy.”
Mahmood firmly stated that she was unaware of any such involvement from Labour officials and reiterated her commitment to the trial’s advancement. Meanwhile, Luke de Pulford of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China underscored the gravity of the situation, claiming it represents the most significant breach of parliamentary security in recent history.
“If spies are walking free because a cabal of officials and special advisors deliberately caused the case to collapse, those responsible need to face an inquiry and be discharged from office,” he asserted. “The public deserves answers.”
