1 week ago MPs vote down Farage’s proposal for UK to leave ECHR – UK politics live

Lib Dems say ECHR protects ‘our elderly and most vulnerable the very people who need it most’Mark Sedwill, the former cabinet secretary and former national security adviser, goes next. He is now a peer, and a member of the committee.He says the deputy national security adviser, Matthew Collins, thought there was enough evidence for the case to go ahead. But the CPS did not agree. Who was right?In 2017, the Law Commission flagged that the term enemy [in the legislation] was deeply problematic and it would give rise to difficulties in future prosecutions.And I think what has played out, during this prosecution exemplifies and highlights the difficulties with that. Continue reading...

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1 week ago Deputy national security adviser ‘surprised’ Chinese spying case was dropped

The case against Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry collapsed in September.

Events

2 w. ago Official removed word ‘enemy’ from witness statement in collapsed UK

Deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins says the label did not reflect Conservative policy at the time

Politics

2 w. ago Rishi Sunak only politician to see witness statement in China spy case

Statement from security adviser, viewed by then prime minister, did not describe China as enemyRishi Sunak was the only politician to see a witness statement by the deputy national security adviser at the centre of a controversy about the collapse of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.According to letters sent to the joint committee on the national security strategy, the statement from Matthew Collins in December 2023, which was seen by the then prime minister and his advisers, did not describe China as an enemy, another key element of the case. Continue reading...

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3 w. ago China spy case row: Pressure mounts on Keir Starmer as witness statements are revealed

In the statements, deputy national security adviser Matt Collins called China ‘the biggest state-based threat to the UK’s economic security’

Events

3 w. ago Sir Keir Starmer releases bombshell witness statements in China spy scandal

The Prime Minister released three witness statements from deputy national security adviser Matt Collins as he battles Tory "cover-up" claims

Events

3 w. ago Starmer to publish China spy case evidence as he battles Tory ‘cover up’ claims

The Government will publish the evidence submitted by deputy national security adviser Matt Collins.

Events

3 w. ago Starmer vows to publish China spy evidence showing 'Tories behind case collapse' in tense PMQs standoff

The Prime Minister said he intends to release the witness statements prepared by deputy national security adviser Matt Collins in full

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3 w. ago Keir Starmer finally bows to pressure and says ministers WILL release Government document at the heart of China spying case collapse

The Prime Minister finally confirmed that Downing Street will publish a key witness statement by the deputy national security adviser after a major overnight row with prosecutors.

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3 w. ago Starmer says evidence in collapsed China spy case will be published

Sir Keir Starmer said the evidence submitted by deputy national security adviser Matt Collins would be disclosed.

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3 w. ago Critical evidence that collapsed the China spy trial will be kept secret

Requests to release a key witness statement by the deputy national security adviser have been rejected after the Crown Prosecution Service said it would be 'inappropriate' outside of a courtroom.

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3 w. ago Starmer praises official who submitted evidence in collapsed China spy case

The Prime Minister has not seen the witness statement provided to the Crown Prosecution Service by deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins.

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3 w. ago Wriggling Yvette Cooper refuses to voice 'confidence' in deputy national security chief after China spying trial collapse as ministers are accused of 'scapegoating' official

The Foreign Secretary refused to say if Matthew Collins should remain in his post or if she had confidence in his ability, in the deepening row over how Beijing is handled by Labour .

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3 w. ago Labour accused of making deputy national security adviser 'scapegoat' over collapse of China spying trial

Labour have blamed Jonathan Powell's deputy for the controversial collapse of the Chinese spies case.

Events

3 w. ago Ministers say civil servant made evidence decisions in failed China spy case

Deputy national security adviser Matt Collins named as being personally responsible for providing witness statements

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