The collapse of a high-profile spy case involving alleged Chinese espionage has sent shockwaves through the UK government, leaving many questioning the true nature of the relationship between the two nations.
In a move that has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows, the government has released key witness statements related to the now-defunct case against two men accused of spying for China. The core of the issue revolves around accusations of large-scale espionage activities conducted by China against the UK, as highlighted by the government's deputy national security advisor back in 2023.
One of the key figures, Matthew Collins, penned three statements that shed light on the situation. His second statement, dated February 2025, underscored the threat China's actions posed to the UK's economic prosperity and resilience. A third statement, published in August, reiterated the UK's perspective on the challenges presented by China.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the statements also revealed the government's commitment to maintaining a positive economic relationship with China. This apparent contradiction has fueled debate and speculation.
The release of these statements by Downing Street came in response to mounting pressure after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) unexpectedly dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry last month. This decision has drawn criticism from ministers and MPs alike.
The first statement, provided in December 2023 when the Conservative government was in power, set the stage. The subsequent statements were submitted this year after Labour took power. The director of public prosecutions explained that the case collapsed because of an inability to obtain sufficient evidence from the government, specifically regarding China's classification as a national security threat.
Sir Keir Starmer, in response to accusations of a 'cover-up' from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch, committed to publishing the deputy national security advisor's statements.
The documents reveal that Collins's initial assessment in December 2023 was stark: "The Chinese Intelligence Services are highly capable and conduct large-scale espionage operations against the UK and other international partners to advance the Chinese state's interest and harm the interests and security of the UK." His February 2025 statement further elaborated, highlighting China's authoritarian nature and the challenges it presents to the UK and its allies. He also acknowledged the mutual benefits of bilateral trade and investment while emphasizing China as the biggest state-based threat to the UK's economic security.
In the third statement, released in August, Collins reiterated that China's espionage operations threaten the UK's economic prosperity, resilience, and democratic institutions. He also pointed to actions believed to be orchestrated by Beijing, including a cyber-attack on the UK electoral commission between 2021 and 2023.
And this is the part most people miss... Collins's 2025 statements emphasized the government's desire to maintain a positive economic relationship with China, underlining the importance of engaging with international partners on trade and investment while safeguarding security and values.
BBC News understands that Collins believed his third witness statement provided sufficient evidence for the prosecution to proceed. A government source cited his description of the increasing Chinese espionage threat as justification for his belief. The CPS had previously sought clarification from Collins after his first statement but did not explicitly specify what further information was needed.
New details of alleged spying
In his initial statement, Collins detailed the allegations against Cash and Berry, based on information from counter-terrorism police. Both men deny the accusations. Collins stated that the Chinese state allegedly recruited Berry as an agent and directed him to utilize Cash, who had access to the Commons China Research Group (CRG) and other MPs.
Cash, a parliamentary researcher, was involved with the CRG, which was established by Conservative MPs to examine the UK's response to China's rise. Collins stated that in July 2022, Berry met with a senior Chinese Communist Party leader, and Cash was made aware of the meeting. Cash allegedly responded with messages, including one that read, "You're in spy territory now." Information gathered was also reportedly passed to an individual named "Alex," believed to be a Chinese agent, including details about potential ministerial appointments and the Conservative leadership race.
In a recent statement, Cash asserted his innocence, stating he has been placed in an impossible position and denied a public trial to prove his innocence. He also stated that the published statements lack the necessary context.
Cash and Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, during the Conservative government's tenure. They were accused of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the state's interests between December 2021 and February 2023. The director of public prosecutions explained that the case collapsed because evidence was not obtained from the government, which did not label China as a national security threat.
The Conservatives have accused the government of withholding evidence to avoid damaging relations with Beijing. However, the Labour government maintains that the prosecution could only be based on the Conservatives' stance on China at the time of the alleged offenses.
Sir Keir Starmer stated that no minister or special advisor played any role in providing evidence under the current government. The release of the documents followed pressure from both Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Initially, senior government figures indicated that the CPS deemed the publication of witness statements "inappropriate," but the CPS later clarified that it would not obstruct the government's decision to release the evidence.
This situation is complex, and the details raise many questions. Do you think the government is handling this case appropriately? What are your thoughts on the balance between national security and economic interests? Share your opinions in the comments below!
