Legal Ruling Influences Drop of Charges in China-Related Case

Charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry dropped due to insufficient evidence and no Beijing enemy label.
Legal ruling raised evidential threshold for enemy status under Official Secrets Act, requiring threat at the time.
Cash and Berry arrested in March 2023, charged under Official Secrets Act for 2021–2023 offenses.
Collapse led to criticism from ministers/MPs; Downing Street rejected evidence withholding claims.
Labour government aims to recalibrate China ties and conduct cross-Whitehall review.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Jonathan Powell met with Beijing this year.

Politics | Legal | International

United Kingdom | China

Sir Keir Starmer | David Lammy | Christopher Cash | Christopher Berry | Jonathan Powell

4 weeks ago