CPS confirms China spying on Parliament despite dropping case against Beijing agents
Prosecutors say espionage against MPs threatens democracy; two suspects' charges dropped after evidential standard was not met
The Crown Prosecution Service has acknowledged that China is spying on Parliament, even as it dropped a case against two suspects linked to Beijing. A senior CPS official told a member of Parliament that the CPS-led research group was targeted by China to obtain information on government policies.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson later told Tory security spokeswoman Alicia Kearns that the spying charges against Chris Cash and Chris Berry had to be abandoned because the evidential standard for the indicted offence is no longer met. The suspects, who were arrested in 2023, were accused of collecting information for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state. They denied breaching the Official Secrets Act and were due to stand trial until the case was dropped on Monday.
Ms Kearns questioned the lack of public explanation, asking what witnesses or evidence had been withdrawn and by whom. She argued that the CPS appears to have been reluctant to provide a full account and suggested that authorities may be constrained in what they can disclose. She noted that the admission of China’s targeting of Parliament, followed by the decision not to prosecute, raises questions about transparency and oversight.
The Daily Mail’s coverage had already suggested that the government did not want the deputy national security adviser to testify, as he would have had to label China an adversary while ministers seek to rebuild ties. MPs warned the decision could embolden hostile states to target lawmakers. Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has said he is considering a private prosecution to protect Parliament’s standing.
Prosecutors say espionage against MPs threatens the democratic process and public service, and they emphasize that such offenses are taken very seriously. The episode underscores ongoing concerns about foreign influence and the safeguards around Parliament, as lawmakers review security measures and parliamentary oversight in light of the events.