MI5’s chief has criticised the handling of a China spy case, saying the service’s work was undermined. The intervention increases pressure on the PM as Labour faces claims it interfered with evidence. Ministers are under calls for an inquiry and stronger safeguards.
MPs are pressing the DPP to explain why prosecutors dropped a high‑profile espionage case tied to alleged Chinese interference. Select committee chairs seek details on the decision, evidence handling and safeguards, after MI5 signalled frustration at the collapse.
Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters have been barred from attending Aston Villa’s Europa League match in Birmingham after police deemed it high risk. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised the decision as a “national disgrace,” saying it unfairly penalises law‑abiding fans and sets a troubling precedent.
MI5’s chief says China mounts daily espionage against the UK and urges a firm defence. His rare intervention follows the collapse of a Westminster spying case, piling pressure on the Director of Public Prosecutions and prompting likely parliamentary scrutiny. Beijing rejects the allegations.
Row intensifies over a collapsed spying case after the PM disclosed evidence that halted the prosecution. Ministers press Sir Keir to clarify his stance on security and legal thresholds, as MI5 warns that threats from China are persistent. Focus falls on accountability.
China condemned what it called a smear campaign after a UK espionage case collapsed, dismissing witness testimony as groundless. Ministers warned the dispute could strain relations, while security chiefs voiced frustration with the outcome and the high bar for national security prosecutions.
MI5 director Ken McCallum urged the PM to act after a high-profile China espionage case collapsed. He said the UK faces daily hostile-state interference and voiced frustration at the inability to prosecute suspects. MPs launched an inquiry, and a decision on a planned Chinese super embassy was delayed.
Dominic Cummings claims a major Whitehall security breach exposed classified material and officials’ personal data to China, and alleges it was concealed by No 10. Ministers face demands to clarify what was compromised, who knew, and what safeguards now protect government systems.
Rachel Reeves says the budget will raise taxes on wealthier people to repair public finances after weaker growth forecasts. She rejects claims it would drive people away, signalling a November package aimed at stability and sustainable funding for services.
Reports allege a state‑linked buyer from China gained control of a Whitehall data hub, creating a backdoor that exposed sensitive government systems for years, including No.10. The revelations add pressure on Starmer after a collapsed espionage case, with calls for an inquiry and tighter vetting.