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Prosecutors dropped charges of spying for China against two men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, citing insufficient evidence. The case, linked to allegations of passing sensitive information, was set for trial but was halted. The decision has raised concerns about national security and parliamentary integrity.
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In September 2025, British prosecutors dropped espionage charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China between 2021 and 2023. The case collapsed after the government failed to provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offenses, a legal requirement under the 1911 Official Secrets Act. Both men deny wrongdoing.
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In October 2025, the UK government faces intense scrutiny after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped espionage charges against two men accused of spying for China. The case collapsed because the government did not provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences, a legal requirement under the Official Secrets Act 1911. Parliamentary committees have launched inquiries, and MI5 has expressed frustration over the decision amid ongoing UK-China diplomatic engagement.
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British intelligence has issued new guidance to protect politicians from foreign interference, following the collapse of a high-profile espionage trial involving alleged Chinese spies. The advice warns MPs to watch for covert influence tactics and emphasizes the ongoing threat to UK sovereignty.
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The UK has dropped charges against two alleged Chinese spies, citing lack of evidence. The case's end has raised US concerns about intelligence sharing and UK’s stance on China. The trial's collapse questions UK’s approach to Chinese espionage and its impact on diplomatic relations, especially with the US, as the Prime Minister’s government faces scrutiny.
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As of late October 2025, cyberattacks have surged globally, with the UK reporting a 50% rise in significant incidents and costly breaches like Jaguar Land Rover's. Singapore urges international cooperation to rebuild trust and enforce cyber norms amid rising state-sponsored attacks. Meanwhile, the US military accelerates AI and drone integration to enhance decision-making and operational readiness, adapting to environmental and cybersecurity challenges.
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The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre reports a 50% rise in highly significant cyber incidents over the past year, with nearly half deemed nationally significant. Major firms like Marks & Spencer and Jaguar Land Rover have been targeted, prompting urgent calls for increased cyber resilience across sectors.
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The UK government’s Chinese espionage trial against two men collapsed after prosecutors cited outdated legislation and the absence of clear government labels on China as a threat. Evidence was insufficient because officials avoided describing China as an active security threat, raising questions about national security policy and political interference. The case's failure highlights ongoing tensions over UK-China relations.
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British and Australian security agencies warn of persistent Chinese espionage efforts targeting critical infrastructure and economic secrets. Recent reports highlight cyber sabotage risks, including potential disruptions to water, power, banking, and telecommunications, with Chinese hacking groups Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon identified as key threats. The warnings underscore ongoing tensions over national security and economic interests.
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On November 18, 2025, MI5 issued an espionage alert to UK Parliament revealing that China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) is covertly targeting MPs, Lords, and parliamentary staff via LinkedIn profiles posing as recruitment headhunters. Two individuals, Amanda Qiu and Shirly Shen, were identified as fronts for Chinese intelligence efforts to gather sensitive information and build long-term relationships within Westminster.
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The UK is set to approve a new Chinese embassy near Tower of London, with final decision due on December 10. MI5 and MI6 have reportedly given the green light, despite ongoing security concerns linked to espionage risks and recent spying allegations. The decision coincides with UK-China diplomatic efforts and upcoming Prime Minister visits.
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On November 21, 2025, Nathan Gill, former Reform UK Wales leader and ex-MEP, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting at least £40,000 in bribes from pro-Kremlin Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between 2018 and 2019. Gill made scripted pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament and media, compromising legislative integrity and implicating other MEPs. The case raises concerns about Kremlin influence in UK politics and scrutiny of Nigel Farage's party.