PM's aide had no role in China spy case - minister

"A key security adviser had no role in the "substance or the evidence" of the collapsed case against two men accused of spying for China, the education secretary has said. The Conservatives have suggested Jonathan Powell, the prime minister's national security adviser, had a role in not giving prosecutors evidence they said they needed to secure convictions. Charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry who both deny the allegations were dropped last month, prompting criticism from ministers and MPs."

"Asked about Mr Powell's involvement, Bridget Phillipson told the BBC: "I can give you that reassurance, he did not have those conversations around the substance or the evidence of the case." Phillipson said ministers were "deeply disappointed that the case hasn't proceeded" and insisted the Crown Prosecution Service was "best placed to explain why it was not able to bring forward a prosecution". Downing Street had previously denied that ministers were involved in the collapse of the case."

Charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry were dropped last month after prosecutors concluded they could not proceed. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson provided reassurance that the prime minister's national security adviser did not have conversations about the substance or the evidence of the case. The director of public prosecutions, Stephen Parkinson, attributed the trial's collapse to the government not providing evidence that referred to China as a national security threat. Conservatives have demanded ministers explain why material was not disclosed, submitted an urgent parliamentary question, and suggested Jonathan Powell withheld evidence while seeking closer relations with Beijing. Calls for accountability and explanations have intensified.

Read at www.bbc.com