"Sir Lindsay Hoyle told the Times that he took the security of the house "incredibly seriously" and was considering launching a private action against Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash. The pair were charged under the Official Secrets Act after they were accused of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the safety and interests of the UK between 28 December 2021 and 3 February 2023."
"The decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to retract the charges has been criticised by the Home Office, which said it was "disappointing that they will not face trial given the seriousness of the allegations". The prime minister's official spokesman said "any attempt by a foreign power to infiltrate our Parliament or democracy is unacceptable". Sir Lindsay told the Commons that he was "very unhappy" about the decision,"
Two men, Christopher Berry and Christopher Cash, were charged under the Official Secrets Act for allegedly gathering and providing information prejudicial to UK safety and interests between 28 December 2021 and 3 February 2023. The Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the charges, citing an insufficient evidential threshold, after considering alternative offences and finding none suitable. The Home Office and Downing Street criticised the decision, and Beijing described the allegations as "malicious slander." The Speaker of the Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, expressed strong concern about parliamentary vulnerability and has considered private action and written to the Home Secretary.
Read at www.bbc.com
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