Speaker vents his fury at China spy trial collapse and attack on Parliament

Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has expressed his fury at the collapse of the China spy trial involving former parliamentary researchers.

Sir Lindsay made a dramatic opening statement ahead of security minister Dan Jarvis giving an update to MPs amid growing questions over whether the government effectively blocked crucial evidence being passed to prosecutors.

The prosecution of Christopher Cash, 30, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, 33, a teacher, collapsed last month amid allegations from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that the government refused to provide the evidence required to go ahead with the trial.

Sir Keir Starmer’s defence was that the previous Tory government under Rishi Sunak had not put the right laws in place for there to be a trial because China had not been properly designated as a national security threat.

But the Conservatives have accused the government of blocking an MI5 file going to prosecutors.

The speaker said: “Members will know that I have already put on record my disappointment that the charges against two individuals relating to espionage for the Chinese authorities have been dropped.

“Only disappointment, but I am very angry. It is of the utmost importance to me that all those who work in this Parliament are able to undertake their activities securely and without interference.”

Hinting at attempts to reopen the case, he went on: “I continue to seek advice from officials on what further steps might be taken to pursue the issue.

“In other ways, I will be issuing an updated security guidance to members later today.”

And in a direct message to ministers sitting on the front bench, he added: “I think there is something the government ought to be aware of. It is this part this parliament that has been spied on. It is MPs who have been here. It is MPs offices that have been infiltrated.

“As it stands, what we have seen is the payment for spying on what I believe we should be protected at this moment, I feel we haven't had the protection. I certainly don't blame the minister. I know that he will be answering a lot in his statement and taking many questions, but I do put on record. I'm angry. I'm disappointed my job without getting that job.”

More to follow...