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2h ago

UK Prosecutors Halt China Espionage Case, Citing Evidential Failure

The DPP says the Official Secrets Act's 'enemy' test left the case below the threshold for a realistic prospect of conviction.

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Christopher Berry, left, and Chris Cash at Westminster magistrates’ court in April last year
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, may carry out a private prosecution against the two men accused of spying for China

Overview

  • Prosecutor Tom Little KC told the Old Bailey the trial of Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry could not continue, and the CPS offered no evidence.
  • Stephen Parkinson said the case failed the evidential test and affirmed there was no outside pressure on the decision.
  • The CPS highlighted the 1911 Official Secrets Act requirement to prove information aided an 'enemy' and noted the National Security Act 2023 now provides broader espionage provisions.
  • No 10 called the outcome extremely disappointing, and security minister Dan Jarvis reiterated concerns about the threat from Chinese espionage.
  • MPs demanded transparency and floated inquiries or private legal action as the defendants maintained their innocence, with Cash saying his arrest wrecked his career.