Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to clarify unanswered questions regarding the dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who were accused of spying for China. The case collapsed in September due to insufficient evidence, as stated by the Democratic Progressive Party, despite ongoing concerns about China as a national security threat.
Badenoch criticized the government’s shifting explanations and called for opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer and senior ministers to testify before Parliament for accountability. Starmer responded that the focus should be on the Conservative government’s policies regarding China, asserting that prosecutions must rely on the circumstances during the alleged crimes.
Officials have indicated that evidence of Chinese espionage against the UK was available but not presented in court. Criticism also arose regarding Jonathan Powell, Starmer’s adviser, who has been accused of potentially hindering the prosecution process by not providing necessary information.
The Liberal Democrats proposed halting a new Chinese embassy in London due to security concerns, further highlighting the political and security queries surrounding the issue.
Source link