The Crown Prosecution Service has dropped espionage charges against two Britons accused of spying for China, including a parliamentary researcher for Conservative MP Alicia Kearns. The decision, announced on Tuesday evening, has sparked a political controversy over the reasons behind the sudden abandonment of the high-profile case.
Christopher Cash, who worked as a researcher focusing on China issues, and another unnamed individual were due to stand trial in October. However, three weeks ago the CPS quietly discontinued proceedings, with little explanation until now.
Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson made an extraordinary disclosure on Tuesday, hinting that the decision lacked backing from Downing Street. Legal experts have argued that a prosecution was still possible, raising questions about political interference.
The case has drawn attention to national security concerns and the handling of alleged foreign espionage within the UK government. The CPS has not provided further details on why the charges were dropped.
