Starmer has 'full confidence' in Blairite national security chief Jonathan Powell despite mounting fury at China spying case shambles
Keir Starmer has 'full confidence' in his national security chief Jonathan Powell despite mounting fury over the China spying case shambles.
Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson insisted the PM is still behind the key adviser as MPs demand answers.
The trial of Chris Cash and Christopher Berry, on charges of passing secrets to China between 2021 and 2023, collapsed last month. Both men were formally declared not guilty and deny any wrongdoing.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has said that the Crown Prosecution Service asked repeatedly for the Government to state that 'at the time of the offence China represented a threat to national security'.
Sir Keir has been adamant ministers were not involved in the decision, arguing that evidence could only be based on the Tory government's position at the time covered by the allegations.
However, former officials have voiced bewilderment at the sudden change in the position.
Keir Starmer has 'full confidence' in his national security chief Jonathan Powell (pictured) despite mounting fury over the China spying case shambles
Sir Keir has said that none of his ministers was involved in the decision not to provide such evidence, but sources have pointed the finger at Jonathan Powell ¿ a frequent visitor to China and an advocate of stronger links between Beijing and the UK.
Tories have pointed the finger at Mr Powell, with claims he held a meeting about the case with senior officials shortly before the charges were dropped.
Touring broadcast studios this morning, Ms Phillipson told Sky News that Mr Powell - who was chief of staff to Tony Blair in No10 - had 'no role in substance or evidence'
She refused to be drawn on whether he took part in discussions, while stressing the government was 'disappointed' the case had collapsed.
Asked if Sir Keir had 'full confidence' in Mr Powell, she replied: 'Yes.'
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told The Mail on Sunday that the Government 'must urgently explain why it chose not to disclose the reams of information it has demonstrating China was a threat to national security in the 2021-2023 period'.
Even if ministers do not volunteer to make a statement when the Commons returns from the party conference recess tomorrow, Speaker Lindsay Hoyle is expected to grant an urgent question.
Mr Powell has agreed to give evidence to the national security strategy committee, although it is likely to be behind closed doors.
Sir Lindsay, right, is taking legal advice as part of his efforts to mount a private prosecution against Mr Cash and Mr Berry, who were accused of targeting the China Research Group of MPs.
He has asked his legal team to establish whether they could be prosecuted for alternative offences such as theft of data, or gaining illegal access to Parliament – instead of the original charges of passing secrets to an 'enemy' under the 1911 Official Secrets Act.
