Labour Blocks Release of Files on Collapsed UK China Spy Trial Amid Tory Calls

British Conservative politicians have pushed for the release of government documents related to the collapse of a spying trial against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China. The trial was withdrawn after the Crown Prosecution Service stated there was insufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Conservatives accuse the Labour government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, of sabotaging the case and prioritizing relations with China over national security, while the government denies any political interference, asserting it is in the UK's national interest to protect the material. Shadow ministers have demanded transparency and the release of minutes from a meeting involving national security adviser Jonathan Powell, which the government insists did not discuss evidence directly. The opposition argues the government has been inconsistent and unclear and insists members of Parliament may have been spied on, urging the release of all relevant documents to clarify what happened. Government officials maintain allegations of political interference are baseless and emphasize legal and procedural constraints in the case's collapse.