Joani Reid, the Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, has resigned the party whip after her husband David Taylor was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. Reid announced on Thursday night she would temporarily stand down while an internal investigation takes place, describing the week as 'the worst of my life'.
Taylor, a former special adviser to Labour peer Peter Hain, was arrested under the National Security Act alongside two other men aged 43 and 68. Police confirmed they had been released on bail until May. Reid stressed she is not under investigation and has done nothing wrong, adding she has never been to China or raised China-related matters in Parliament.
Labour confirmed Reid has been administratively suspended, effectively removing the whip, while the party conducts its own inquiry. A spokesperson said Reid has agreed to fully cooperate. Taylor has also been suspended from Labour pending investigation.
The arrests come six months after charges against two men accused of spying for China were dropped. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced criticism over his January visit to China and approval of a Chinese 'mega-embassy' near the City of London. Police also raided the homes of a journalist and a former Labour aide as part of the inquiry.
