UK Attorney General Blames Outdated Law for Collapse of China Spy Case

The collapse of the China spy case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry has been attributed by Lord Richard Hermer, the Attorney General, to outdated legislation, specifically the Official Secrets Act 1911, which posed significant legal challenges due to its requirement that information be passed to an "enemy". Lord Hermer emphasized that if the newer National Security Act, passed in 2023, had been in effect during the alleged offences, the trial would have likely proceeded. The case fell apart when deputy national security adviser Matt Collins refused to categorize China as a threat, which prosecutors deemed necessary to meet the legal criteria under the old law. Hermer strongly denied allegations of political interference by Prime Minister and national security advisers, calling such claims "disgraceful" and "baseless," asserting that decisions were made independently by legal authorities. He warned that such accusations undermine public confidence in national security and the justice system, stressing the importance of transparency and the rule of law. The case highlights the challenges of applying antiquated legal frameworks to modern national security threats and the need for updated legislation.