The UK government has firmly rejected allegations of its involvement in the collapse of a high-profile prosecution against two men accused of espionage for China. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act in April 2024, accused of gathering and sharing state-sensitive information between December 2021 and February 2023. However, the charges were unexpectedly dropped in September, sparking criticism from ministers and MPs. Downing Street has denied claims that the government withheld evidence or influenced the decision, emphasizing that the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) acted independently. The CPS stated that the case could no longer proceed as the evidence no longer met the required legal threshold. The decision has raised concerns about national security, with MPs warning that it could leave Parliament vulnerable to espionage. Conservative MP Alicia Kearns, who previously employed Cash, described the collapse of the trial as ‘inexplicable’ and suggested that external factors may have influenced the CPS’s ability to prosecute. The case has also reignited debates over the UK’s relationship with China, particularly as the Labour government seeks to strengthen trade ties with Beijing. Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s visit to China in October 2024 highlighted this shift, as he emphasized the need for pragmatic solutions to complex challenges. Critics, however, argue that prioritizing economic relations with China could compromise national security.