The charges were dropped last month after the CPS said the “evidential standard for the offence indicted is no longer met.”
Writing to the chairs of the Commons’ Home and Justice Select Committees, Parkinson said a 2024 High Court decision meant an “enemy” under the Official Secrets Act includes “a country which represents at the time of the offence, a threat to the national security of the U.K.”
Despite receiving further witness statements in light of the judgment, “none of these stated that at the time of the offense China represented a threat to national security.”
Parkinson added: “By late August 2025 it was realized that this evidence would not be forthcoming.”
Even though the CPS does not usually comment on the factors leading to a case collapsing, Parkinson said he was “now able to provide further information to contextualize the position” as “government briefings have been provided commenting on the evidential situation.”
Crucial timing
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a former DPP, said any evidence must be based on the previous government’s stance towards China because that was when the offenses were allegedly committed.