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Deep-rooted failures that caused the collapse of a Chinese espionage case could be recur absent significant changes, a group of lawmakers has alerted.

Findings Highlights "Shambolic" Administration

A report by the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy stated "chaotic" administration caused the Crown Prosecution Service discontinuing charges against Chris Cash and Christopher Berry, who were alleged to have been transferring classified documents to a China-based spy.

The accused continue to affirm their innocence.

"Botching similar future prosecutions will 'undermine the public's trust'," warned panel head Matt Western.

Case Breakdown and Dispute

Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and China-based academic Mr Berry, were both charged under the secrecy legislation in spring 2024.

Mr Cash worked for two influential critics of China, the MP, then chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Alicia Kearns, who later occupied the identical position.

The authorities claimed the prosecution collapsed after a high-ranking adviser, the deputy national security adviser (DNSA), declined to designate China an "enemy" at the period of the reported crimes.

However, the parliamentary committee said they were "astonished" by the prosecution's judgment, implying it may have been "put before the jury".

Conclusions of the Investigation

The committee found there was no "orchestrated high-level attempt" to sabotage or obstruct the trial.

Rather, it was beset by "disorderly" handling and "bewilderment and misaligned expectations".

• Communications between the prosecutors and ministers were "inadequate".
• An lengthy holdup in obtaining a crucial witness statement is still a mystery.
• The report also disputed the government's contention that comparable prosecutions in the coming years under the recent law would not founder.

"The committee urges the government to avoid characterising the failure of this case as a one-off peculiarity created purely by archaic statutes," the report said.

Recommendations for Reform

The panel demands the government to look at implementing wide-ranging measures within six months to prevent a recurrence.

1. The role and responsibility of the key official — which had been left "isolated and exposed" — must be promptly assessed and restructured.
2. Liaison between the CPS and the executive must also be "examined and improved at pace".
3. In future prosecutions, every spy case must hold a official meeting within one month of charge to identify weaknesses in the case early.
4. Greater "clarity" must be given on whether government witnesses are offering political input or factual account.

Western said: "Given that the global geopolitical environment deteriorates, delicate national security matters will crop up often.

"Authorities must prove the people that it is confident in facing down rivals when required: failing to do so will corrode public confidence in our system."