Jonathan Powell had no role in dropping of China spy case, senior minister says

Bridget Phillipson says national security adviser was not involved in discussions before CPS abandoned its prosecution

The government’s national security adviser had no involvement in the prosecution being dropped against two British men accused of spying for China, a senior cabinet minister has said.

Jonathan Powell had no connection to discussions about the “substance or the evidence” of the case, Bridget Phillipson said on Sunday, adding that Keir Starmer had full confidence in him.