Prosecutors have admitted that China is spying on Parliament despite dropping a case against suspected agents acting for Beijing.
A senior figure in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) told an MP the research group she led was ‘targeted by China’ as a means of ‘obtaining information’ on Government policies.
Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson insisted that the CPS took espionage ‘very seriously’ as offences targeting MPs ‘threaten the democratic process and public service’.
But he told Tory security spokesman, Alicia Kearns MP, that he had concluded that the charges of spying had to be abandoned against former parliamentary aide Chris Cash, 30, and British teacher Chris Berry, 33.
‘It has now been determined that the evidential standard for the offence indicted is no longer met,’ Mr Ferguson wrote in a letter.
But Ms Kearns said he had still not explained why the case was dropped, adding: ‘The CPS needs to come clean… What witnesses or evidence was withdrawn, and by whom?’
‘The CPS, it appears, has either been gagged or is refusing to be honest… on why this case is not proceeding.
‘It beggars belief for the CPS to concede we were being targeted by the Chinese… then, in the same letter, state they will not even attempt a prosecution. Will this be another scandal where it takes decades for the evidence to ever see the light of day?’
Chief Crown Prosecutor Frank Ferguson told Tory security spokesman, Alicia Kearns MP, that he had concluded that the charges of spying had to be abandoned against former parliamentary aide Chris Cash, 30, (pictured in April arriving at Westminster Magistrates Court) and British teacher Chris Berry, 33
Pictured. right: Christopher Berry. Mr Cash and Mr Berry were arrested in 2023 and accused of collecting information ‘for a purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state’
Mr Cash and Mr Berry were arrested in 2023 and 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 to stand trial until the case was dropped on Monday.
As the Daily Mail revealed, some suspect the Government did not want the deputy national security adviser to give evidence, as he would have had to brand China an enemy as ministers rebuild relations.
MPs now fear the decision will embolden hostile states to target them. Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is even considering launching a private prosecution.
Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the Commons, has prompted fears Beijing spies have been given a ‘licence to spy’ after the espionage charges were dropped.
The 68-year-old has debated whether to pursue private prosecution against Mr Cash and Mr Berry, who were accused of targeting MPs in the China Research Group.
He has since written to home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, as the recent CPS decision sparked fear other countries could act with immunity.
Hoyle told The Times: ‘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.
‘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.’
Elsewhere, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Home Secretary were also disheartened.
