UK Government Releases Evidence in China Spy Case Controversy

The UK government released evidence on March 6, 2024, related to legal proceedings against two men accused of spying for China, a case that has recently collapsed. Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to address the controversy surrounding the failure of the case, which has drawn criticism concerning the government’s handling of national security matters.

The legal proceedings against Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, were discontinued last month, two years after their arrest on allegations of gathering information that could benefit an enemy. The Crown Prosecution Service stated that the evidence provided by the government did not demonstrate that China posed a threat to national security at the time of the alleged offences, which occurred between 2021 and 2023 during the Conservative Party’s administration.

In an effort to clarify the situation, Starmer announced in Parliament that he would publish “in full” the three statements prepared by Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser, for the prosecutors. These witness statements were made publicly available online on the same day. In his most recent statement, dated August 2025, Collins described the Chinese intelligence services as “highly capable” and noted that they conduct large-scale espionage operations against the UK to further the interests of the Chinese state while undermining the UK’s security.

Collins stated, “Chinese espionage operations threaten the UK’s economic prosperity and resilience and the integrity of our democratic institutions.”

The release of these statements has provoked backlash from the Conservative opposition, which accused Starmer’s government of inadequacy and a lack of transparency. A Conservative spokesperson expressed disappointment that it took significant pressure to compel the Prime Minister to publish what they deemed limited information. They stated, “The China files must now be published in full and without delay. Until that time, the stench of scandal will hang around this government.”

In response to these accusations, Starmer rejected claims that officials had lobbied for the charges to be dropped due to fears that a prosecution might jeopardize Chinese investment in the UK. He asserted, “Under this government, no minister or special adviser played any role in the provision of evidence.”

Starmer expressed his disappointment over the case’s outcome, stating he had hoped for prosecutions. “We wanted to see prosecutions,” he told lawmakers.

The Prime Minister is currently focused on improving the UK’s relations with China, having become the first British leader in six years to meet with President Xi Jinping last year. The Labour administration is keen on attracting Chinese investment to stimulate a struggling economy, but this approach has sparked concerns regarding national security and public sentiment.

Additionally, the government is considering a proposal for Beijing to construct a new embassy in London, a move that has raised alarms among residents and human rights advocates.

As the situation develops, the government’s handling of national security and foreign relations continues to be scrutinized, with many awaiting further disclosures regarding the nature of the evidence against the accused and the implications for UK-China relations.