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On October 2, 2025, during Yom Kippur, Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British citizen of Syrian descent, attacked worshippers outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Manchester. He rammed a car into pedestrians and stabbed several people, killing two and seriously injuring four. Police shot the attacker dead at the scene. The attack is being investigated as terrorism linked to Islamist extremism amid rising antisemitism in the UK.
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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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MI5 confirmed recent operational intervention against a threat linked to China, amid ongoing concerns over espionage, cyber activity, and interference. The agency expressed frustration over the collapse of a high-profile spy trial involving two men accused of passing secrets to Beijing, highlighting the complex UK-China relationship and persistent security challenges.
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On October 24, 2025, the UK Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China between 2021 and 2023. The Director of Public Prosecutions cited the government's refusal to confirm China as a national security threat at the time. MI5 Director Ken McCallum affirmed ongoing Chinese espionage threats and recent operational interventions.
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The UK dropped a high-profile espionage case against two Britons accused of spying for China, citing political concerns. The move has strained UK-China relations and angered intelligence agencies, amid ongoing fears of Chinese cyber and human intelligence threats. The case's collapse raises questions about political interference in national security efforts.
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Russian authorities claim to have thwarted a plot by Ukraine and Britain to hijack a Russian MiG-31 with a Kinzhal missile, aiming to provoke NATO by flying the jet toward a Romanian base. The operation involved offers of $3 million to a Russian pilot and was reportedly directed by Ukrainian and British intelligence. The story highlights ongoing tensions and information warfare.
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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.