UK Parliament faces heightened security risks from foreign interference after espionage charges against two men suspected of spying for China were unexpectedly dropped this week. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned the decision effectively gives Beijing "licence to operate" within Westminster.
Christopher Cash, 30, from Whitechapel, and Christopher Berry, 33, from Witney, had been charged under the Official Secrets Act with espionage-related offences. The pair allegedly targeted the China Research Group of MPs between December 2021 and February 2023, collecting information that could be "useful to an enemy."
Security concerns mount
Sir Lindsay expressed serious alarm about Parliament's vulnerability following the case's collapse. "As Speaker, I take the security of this house incredibly seriously. I believe this leaves the door open to foreign actors trying to spy on the House," he told The Times.
"This door must be closed hard. We must pursue all avenues to ensure the protection of members and people that work within the House of Commons. It will not be tolerated," the Speaker added.
Two-year case collapses
The prosecution dramatically ended on Monday when officials told the Old Bailey that the "evidential stage of the case" was "no longer met." Sir Lindsay described himself as a "very unhappy Speaker" with the outcome after two years of proceedings.
"The fact that for two years, two years, and it's taken 'til today for somebody to withdraw this case, that is not good or good enough," he said during parliamentary statements.
Prosecution explains decision
Stephen Parkinson, England and Wales' chief prosecutor, acknowledged widespread frustration over the case's termination. He shared "the disappointment, and indeed frustration, expressed by many Parliamentarians, as well as members of the public, that this prosecution had to stop."
The Crown Prosecution Service determined the case had to end due to "an evidential failure," despite initially having sufficient evidence to prosecute. Parkinson emphasised there was no "outside pressure" influencing the decision to drop charges.
Legal framework challenges
The case highlighted difficulties in proving China constituted an "enemy" under the 1911 Official Secrets Act. The National Security Act 2023 has since introduced updated legislation that "contains more extensive provisions to deal with espionage and those who are acting on behalf of foreign powers."
Both men had denied the allegations throughout the lengthy legal process.
Sources used: "The Times"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
