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1h ago

DPP Says China Spy Case Collapsed After Government Declined to Call Beijing a Security Threat

A High Court ruling required proof that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences.

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Christopher Cash, 29, who has been charged with spying for China, arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court, in London, Britain, April 26, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams
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Charges dropped: is government prioritising economic links with China over national security?

Overview

  • Prosecutors dropped charges on 15 September against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who had denied breaching the 1911 Official Secrets Act between December 2021 and February 2023.
  • In a letter to MPs, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said the CPS sought statements for months but none confirmed China met the threat test at the time, so the case could not proceed.
  • Downing Street denies improper interference and says any evidence had to reflect the stance in 2021–23 under the previous Conservative government, which did not designate China as an enemy.
  • Reports of a pre‑decision meeting involving senior officials, including National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Sir Oliver Robins, have fueled political criticism, which No 10 rejects.
  • Legal experts are questioning the CPS rationale, MPs are demanding explanations and oversight, and lawyers say any attempt to recharge under the newer National Security Act faces practical and double‑jeopardy hurdles.