Keir Starmer publishes China spy scandal witness statements | Politics | News | EUROtoday

Sir Keir Starmer has printed the proof submitted by the Government as a part of the collapsed China spy case as he battles Tory “cover-up” claims. The Prime Minister launched three witness statements from deputy nationwide safety adviser Matt Collins.

The case was dropped as a result of the Crown Prosecution Service deemed the proof didn’t present China was a risk to nationwide safety. In a witness assertion, Mr Collins stated Chinese intelligence companies are finishing up “large scale espionage” operations towards the UK. But he added that the Government is dedicated to a “positive relationship” with Beijing.

In his ultimate witness assertion, Mr Collins stated: “The Chinese intelligence services are highly capable and conduct large scale espionage operations against the UK to advance the Chinese state’s interests and harm the interests and security of the UK.

“China’s espionage operations threaten the UK’s financial prosperity and resilience and the integrity of our democratic establishments.”

But in the concluding paragraph of his final statement he said: “It is vital for me to emphasize, nonetheless, that the UK Government is dedicated to pursuing a constructive relationship with China to strengthen understanding, co-operation and stability.

“The Government’s position is that we will co-operate where we can; compete where we need to; and challenge where we must, including on issues of national security.”

Sir Keir introduced at PMQs that the Government would publish the statements made by Mr Collins as a part of the case.

The Tories have been urgent ministers over their dealing with of the collapsed trial of Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry.

Both males, who deny wrongdoing, had been accused of passing secrets and techniques to China, however fees towards them had been dropped final month.

A Conservative spokesman stated: “It is disappointing that it has taken significant pressure from Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative team to force this weak Prime Minister to publish this limited information – which falls short of what was requested.

“What has already been printed reveals the extent of the risk that China poses to the UK, and makes it all of the extra stunning that the Prime Minister knew of the approaching collapse of this trial, however did nothing to cease it.

“There are still many unanswered questions about this scandal – from the role of the national security adviser, to the potential involvement or knowledge of Ministers, and ultimately whether the Prime Minister or the Security Minister has misled the House of Commons throughout this process.

“We will consider this disclosure. But it is clear that this is just the start, and the China files must now be published in full and without delay. Until that time the stench of scandal will hang around this Government.”

Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch accused the Prime Minister of being “evasive” and “too weak to face as much as China” during PMQs.

Mrs Badenoch said Sir Keir’s approach to the case “stinks of a cover-up”.

But Sir Keir insisted the “substantive” evidence was submitted under the Conservatives and supplementary statements handed to the CPS subsequently reflected the Tory administration’s position.

No 10 said Sir Keir was told the case was going to be dropped a couple of days before the CPS announced it.

He told MPs: “I’m deeply upset by the result, we wished to see prosecutions.”