UK Government Releases Key Witness Statements in China Spy Case
The UK government has published significant witness statements related to a collapsed espionage case involving two men accused of spying for China. The release of these documents comes after the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, which had been filed under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024. Both men have denied the allegations.
Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser, provided a warning in December 2023 about China’s extensive espionage activities targeting the UK. His statements highlight the perceived threat to the UK’s economic security and resilience posed by China’s actions. In a second statement issued in February 2025, Collins reiterated that while the UK values its economic relationship with China, it must also address the significant risks associated with Chinese espionage.
The publication of these statements by Downing Street aims to clarify the government’s position following intense scrutiny from ministers and Members of Parliament. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer indicated that he would make these documents available after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused him of a “cover-up” regarding the case.
Evidence and Witness Statements
According to the director of public prosecutions, the case collapsed due to the inability to establish evidence linking China to a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences. Collins’s initial statement to prosecutors in December 2023 asserted, “The Chinese Intelligence Services are highly capable and conduct large scale espionage operations against the UK and other international partners to advance the Chinese state’s interest and harm the interests and security of the UK.”
In his February 2025 statement, Collins emphasized the authoritarian nature of China, stating, “This presents challenges for both the UK and our allies.” He further noted that while both countries benefit from bilateral trade, China represents the most significant state-based threat to the UK’s economic security.
The third statement, published in August 2025, reiterated the government’s stance on the challenges posed by China. Collins pointed to specific incidents, such as a cyber-attack on the UK Electoral Commission, attributing it to Beijing’s espionage efforts. He acknowledged the importance of a strong economic relationship with China while stressing that the UK must safeguard its security and values.
Political Reactions and Implications
The circumstances surrounding the collapse of the case have sparked a political firestorm. A Conservative spokesperson stated there are “still many unanswered questions about this scandal,” particularly regarding the involvement of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. The Labour government has argued that the prosecution’s failure to label China as a threat reflects the Conservative government’s past stance on the issue.
Former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve expressed confusion over the case’s collapse, stating, “When you read the totality of these statements, you can be left in absolutely no doubt that China was a threat to our national security.” Grieve’s comments underscore the growing concern about the implications of the case for UK-China relations.
In response to the allegations, Christopher Cash reiterated his innocence, expressing frustration over the lack of a public trial. He stated, “The statements that have been made public are completely devoid of the context that would have been given at trial.” Berry, who has denied the charges in the past, has not made a statement since the case ended.
The government faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its approach to national security and its engagement with China. As the situation develops, the UK must balance its economic interests with the pressing need to address security concerns. The release of these witness statements marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding espionage and international relations.
