The Chief of MI5, Ken McCallum, has expressed significant frustration regarding the cancellation of a trial for two individuals accused of espionage for China. This disappointment follows the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) decision to drop the case last month. McCallum emphasized the ongoing risk posed by state actors from China to UK national security.
Frustration Over Dropped Espionage Case
McCallum’s remarks followed the CPS’s unexpected abandonment of the case against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry. These individuals were alleged to have passed sensitive parliamentary information to Chinese agents. McCallum remarked, “Of course I am frustrated when opportunities to prosecute national security threatening activity are not followed through for whatever reason.”
Details of the Allegations
- Accused Individuals: Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry.
- Allegations: Spying for China by relaying information to a Chinese agent known as “Alex”.
- Profession: Cash worked for Conservative MPs, while Berry was employed as a teacher and researcher in China.
Both men have consistently denied the accusations against them, asserting their innocence. Questions have been raised about the CPS’s grounds for dropping the case after initially pressing charges in April 2024.
Changing Circumstances in National Security
McCallum highlighted a significant increase in state-based threats, noting a 35% rise in investigations over the past year. He pointed out the importance of addressing these threats despite challenges in securing prosecutions.
Context of the CPS Decision
The CPS retracted the charges partly due to a lack of evidence affirming that China constituted a threat as specified by the 1911 Official Secrets Act. Matthew Collins, a deputy national security adviser, did not provide necessary evidence to support this designation, contributing to the case’s collapse.
Ongoing Threats from China
McCallum affirmed that Chinese state actors do indeed pose a daily threat to UK security. Despite the complexities of UK-China diplomatic relations, he remains unyielding in addressing these security issues. His commitment reflects MI5’s broader challenge in adapting to an increasingly hostile global environment.
Emerging Security Threats
- Increase in Terrorism: The UK has seen a rise in terror attack plots, with 19 disrupted since 2020.
- Radicalization: A worrying trend involves online radicalization among younger individuals, with one in five terrorism arrests last year being minors.
- State-Based Threats: The majority of state-based risks originate from Iran and Russia, with MI5 actively monitoring various plots connected to these nations.
In his speech, McCallum expressed solidarity with communities affected by terrorism, referencing recent violent attacks. He stressed that while organized counterterrorism efforts are crucial, the shift towards addressing individual radicalization is equally vital.
Future Direction
To address contemporary security threats, MI5 has established an Interventions Centre of Expertise. This initiative aims to effectively manage threats involving minors, integrating both national security specialists and public sector professionals.
Overall, McCallum’s insights underscore the urgency of tackling espionage and terrorism in a changing geopolitical landscape, where the need for vigilance has never been more critical.
