Government publishes key witness statements in collapsed China spy case
The UK government released three witness statements related to the controversial case against two men accused of spying for China. The documents, published by Downing Street, come amid ongoing questions after prosecutors unexpectedly dropped charges last month. They reveal evolving assessments of China’s activities and the government’s stance on economic engagement with Beijing.
Statements show a shift in tone from 2023 to 2025
The earliest statement, provided by Matthew Collins in December 2023, described the Chinese Intelligence Services as “highly capable” and engaged in large-scale espionage against the UK and other partners. This assertion supported prosecutors’ concerns about national security and the influence of Beijing’s actions on UK interests.
A second witness statement, written in February 2025, depicts China as an authoritarian state with a value system different from the UK’s. It acknowledges the mutual economic benefits of trade and investment but frames China as the biggest state-based threat to the UK’s economic security. The document underscores the danger posed by intelligence and cyber operations to the UK’s resilience.
The August 2025 statement restates the UK’s view of the espionage challenge and links China’s activities to risks for both democratic institutions and economic vitality. It also mentions cyber-attacks on the UK electoral process as part of the wider threat picture.
Government emphasises a continued positive economic relationship with China
Despite highlighting the espionage threat, Collins’ 2025 statements clearly state that the government remains committed to pursuing a positive economic relationship with China. The documents stress the importance of engaging with international partners on trade and investment to grow the economy, while insisting that national security and values must not be compromised.
In his own words, the minister writes: “It is important for me to emphasise, however that the government is committed to pursuing a positive economic relationship with China. The government believes that the UK must continue to engage with international partners on trade and investment to grow our economy while ensuring that our security and values are not compromised.”
Context: collapsed case and ongoing debates
The CPS’s decision to drop charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry last month sparked political controversy, with ministers and MPs demanding accountability. The director of public prosecutions indicated the case collapsed because essential evidence could not be obtained from the government, and the evidence gaps were linked to concerns about China as a national security threat.
Labour’s leadership stated intentions to publish the statements following criticism from opposition leaders. BBC News has reported that Collins believed he had provided sufficient evidence for the prosecution to continue when he submitted the third witness statement in August 2025, a point now tangled with questions about CPS thresholds and the scope of the statements needed to satisfy prosecutors.
<h2 What this means going forward
With three statements now public, the case highlights the tension between safeguarding national security and maintaining economic ties with China. Officials say the UK must balance evidence-based security measures with an open, rules-based approach to global trade and collaboration on global challenges. The public release of the statements ensures scrutiny of the evidence base and the government’s position on how to navigate China’s influence while protecting democratic processes and economic interests.
Statements from the individuals involved
In response to the new disclosures, Christopher Cash issued a statement denying all accusations and arguing that he has not had the opportunity for a proper public trial to prove his innocence. He called for the public to consider the full context that would have been presented in court. The ongoing debates underscore how political dynamics can shape the interpretation and dissemination of sensitive national security materials.
