Keir Starmer recently defended the government’s role in a high-profile Chinese espionage case that was dropped last month. The case involving former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry was unexpectedly dismissed by the Crown Prosecution Service on September 15, prompting disappointment from Downing Street.
To prosecute under the Official Secrets Act, the prosecution needed to demonstrate that the defendants were acting for an “enemy.” Starmer maintained that any decision to label China as a threat would have been made during the previous government’s tenure.
During his trip to India, Starmer emphasized the importance of the designation in 2023, as that was when the offense occurred. He clarified that statements made at that time were in line with government policy back then and could not be altered retroactively.
When questioned about his awareness of the government’s handling of the case, Starmer confirmed he was being briefed on the matter. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, addressed senior MPs regarding the case, expressing satisfaction with the initial decision to press charges under the 1911 Official Secrets Act.
Despite efforts to gather evidence over several months, it was discovered that there was insufficient proof that China posed a threat to national security at the time of the offense. Consequently, the case could not move forward.
Recent statements from No10 rebutted claims of government interference leading to the case’s collapse. Both Cash and Berry have denied any wrongdoing in this matter.