The UK government has released crucial witness statements following the collapse of a high-profile espionage case against two men accused of spying for China. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) unexpectedly dropped the charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry last month, citing insufficient evidence to classify China as a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences, which occurred between December 2021 and February 2023.
In response to the growing scrutiny from ministers and MPs, Downing Street published three witness statements, including one from Matthew Collins, the deputy national security adviser, who warned in December 2023 of “large scale espionage” by China against the UK. This initial statement was delivered while the Conservative government was in power. Collins emphasized the capabilities of the Chinese Intelligence Services to conduct extensive operations that threaten the UK’s security.
The second witness statement, written in February 2025, highlighted the economic implications of China’s espionage. Collins noted that while both countries benefit from bilateral trade, China remains a significant threat to the UK’s economic security. He stated, “China is an authoritarian state, with different values to the UK. This presents challenges for both the UK and our allies.” Subsequently, a third statement issued in August reiterated concerns regarding China’s espionage operations and their potential impact on the UK’s democratic institutions.
The release of these documents comes amid accusations from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was attempting to cover up the issue. Starmer has committed to publishing Collins’ statements to clarify the government’s position. A Conservative spokesman remarked on the need for further transparency, indicating that many questions remain unanswered regarding the involvement of National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell.
The CPS’s decision to drop the charges raised concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing threats from China. The director of public prosecutions explained that while there was initially enough evidence for prosecution, a precedent established earlier this year required a clearer designation of China as a national security threat.
In his statements, Collins provided detailed allegations against Cash and Berry, asserting that the Chinese state had recruited Berry as an agent. He stated that Berry had directed Cash, who worked as a parliamentary researcher and was affiliated with the Commons China Research Group (CRG), a group of Conservative MPs investigating the UK’s response to China’s rise. Collins noted a meeting in July 2022 between Berry and a senior Chinese Communist Party leader, suggesting that Cash was informed of this encounter.
The case against Cash and Berry, who were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, has drawn significant attention. Both men have consistently maintained their innocence. Cash, in a recent statement, expressed frustration over the lack of a public trial, stating, “I have been placed in an impossible position.” He criticized the media portrayal of the case, arguing that it lacked the context necessary for a fair assessment.
The impact of this case extends beyond the individuals involved, as it raises critical questions about the UK’s approach to national security and its relationship with China. The Labour government has argued that the alleged offences occurred under the Conservative administration, and the prosecution could only be based on the government’s stance on China at that time.
Former Conservative Attorney General Dominic Grieve has publicly expressed his confusion regarding the case’s collapse, stating that the evidence presented clearly indicated that China poses a threat to UK national security. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of balancing national security with diplomatic relations, particularly as the UK continues to engage with international partners on trade and investment.
As the situation unfolds, the UK government faces increasing pressure to clarify its stance on China’s espionage activities and to ensure that national security is adequately prioritized. The outcome of this case may have significant implications for future government policies regarding espionage and international relations.
