UK Spy Trial Collapses After Official Removes China 'Enemy' Label

The collapse of a 2023 British spy trial involving Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry was linked to the removal of references to China as an "enemy" in key witness statements, reflecting the Conservative government's policy at the time. Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins edited out the term "enemy" from his witness statements, stating it did not align with government policy, a decision communicated to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Prosecutors faced a critical challenge as Collins refused to confirm China posed an active threat to UK national security, which was deemed "fatal to the case" by Chief Prosecutor Stephen Parkinson. The Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges under the Official Secrets Act after failing to provide sufficient evidence of China's threat, leading to political scrutiny and a parliamentary inquiry. Labour and Conservative figures have clashed over the handling of the case, with questions focusing on the role of officials and government policy rather than direct political interference. The Joint Committee on National Security Strategy continues to investigate, summoning key ministers and officials to clarify the circumstances surrounding the trial's collapse.