Overview

• The Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry after the government did not provide a witness statement that China was a national security threat during the 2021–2023 period of the alleged offences.
• Security minister Dan Jarvis told MPs the government made every effort to support the case within outdated legal constraints and prior policy, rejected claims of interference, and said Jonathan Powell had no role in the substance of evidence.
• Kemi Badenoch accused ministers of a cover‑up, while senior Conservatives wrote to the director of public prosecutions asking whether the trial could be resumed if a suitable government statement is now supplied.
• MI5 issued new guidance to MPs, peers, candidates and parliamentary staff warning they are potential targets of long‑term foreign interference, as Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle voiced anger and said he is considering a private prosecution.
• Downing Street reiterated that the CPS acted independently, said China now poses a series of national security threats, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated he has full confidence in the national security adviser.