Starmer Reads China Spy Witness Statements Late Morning as Cleverly Accuses PM of Misquoting Him in Latest Updates from No 10

The recent developments in the China spy case have stirred political debate in the UK, particularly involving the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, and accusations from the government. Notably, Starmer has asserted that he only reviewed the witness statements related to the China espionage allegations this morning.

Key Facts and Developments

At a lobby briefing following Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs), a spokesperson for the Prime Minister addressed the timing of the publication of three witness statements. Previously, officials from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had indicated that they were opposed to such a release.

The spokesperson explained that the CPS had clearly stated that witnesses generally expect their evidence to remain private under certain conditions. However, following a recent approval from the CPS, the government plans to make the witness statements available publicly after a brief processing period. The statements include contributions from Deputy National Security Adviser Matt Collins, who submitted his first statement under the previous Conservative government in December 2023, with two additional submissions made in February and August of this year.

Political Reactions

• Kemi Badenoch, the security minister, criticized Starmer for not intervening when he became aware that the CPS intended to drop the China spy prosecution.
• Dominic Cummings, a former chief adviser to Boris Johnson, claimed that the threat posed by China to the UK is significantly underestimated by the government.
• Tom Tugendhat, a former Tory security minister, expressed concerns about Starmer potentially misrepresenting discussions relevant to the witness statements.

Context of the China Spy Case

The political discourse surrounding the China spy case has highlighted tensions regarding national security. Starmer emphasized that the prosecution was based on evidence from the last government, specifically indicating that the current government had no role in the decision-making process regarding the evidence collection. He added that there exists a proud tradition of not exerting political pressure on the CPS, a principle he upheld during his tenure as Director of Public Prosecutions.

The debate also extends beyond individual statements; it includes calls for transparency surrounding the communications between the government and the CPS, alongside minutes from meetings discussing the China spy case. This is reflected in an online petition launched by the Conservative party, urging the release of what they term “the China files.”

Timeline of Developments

As the situation develops, the release of the China spy case witness statements is anticipated to escalate discussions regarding national security in the UK. The ongoing inquiries and criticisms highlight the complexity of handling such sensitive matters while maintaining legal and ethical standards in prosecution.