Overview

• Britain’s director of public prosecutions said the case collapsed after months of trying failed to secure witness statements that China was a national security threat during the alleged 2021–23 offences.
• Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said Jonathan Powell had no involvement in the substance or evidence of the case and confirmed the prime minister’s full confidence in him.
• Downing Street has agreed that Powell will answer questions from the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy in a private session.
• US sources have warned that failing to prosecute the suspected spies could strain the special relationship and jeopardize intelligence sharing, according to multiple reports.
• Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is exploring a private prosecution, though legal experts note the DPP could assume control and discontinue any case that does not meet evidential tests, with MPs expected to press ministers in the Commons this week.