Parliament vulnerable to foreign actors' after China spying charges dropped, Commons speaker says

"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, Hoyle said. 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."

"Given the very important issues raised by this case, I am asking officials to consider whether any further steps which should be taken, operational, strategic or legal, to ensure that all those who work in this parliament are able to undertake their activities securely and without interference, Hoyle said. I am a very unhappy speaker with what's happened. The fact that for two years, two years, and it's taken until today for somebody to withdraw this case. That is not good or good enough."

"Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, had denied accusations of providing information prejudicial to the interests of the state in breach of the Official Secrets Act between December 2021 and February 2023. The men were due to go on trial next month but charges against the pair were dropped on Monday, sparking criticism across both sides of the political aisle."

Charges against two men accused of spying for China were dropped, leaving the UK Parliament exposed to potential foreign interference and prompting urgent calls for stronger protections. The accused, Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, had denied providing information prejudicial to the interests of the state under the Official Secrets Act between December 2021 and February 2023. A trial had been scheduled for next month before charges were withdrawn, drawing criticism across the political spectrum. Cash worked as a parliamentary researcher and directed the China Research Group with links to senior Conservatives. The director of public prosecutions said no outside pressure influenced the decision and officials are being asked to consider further operational, strategic, and legal steps to secure parliamentary activity.

Read at www.theguardian.com