Minister says Jonathan Powell played no role in decision to halt China spy trial

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has insisted a high-profile government aide was not involved in a decision not to halt legal proceedings against two men accused of spying for China. The government said the CPS had dropped the case against Christopher Cash, 30, a former parliamentary researcher, and teacher Christopher Berry, 33, because the previous government had not designated China a threat to national security. However, there had been speculation that Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser, was involved in the decision. Ms Phillipson said she "can give that assurance" that the case was not withdrawn because of the influence of Mr Powell. Live updates: https://news.sky.com/story/politics-latest-starmer-india-labour-gaza-protests-tax-12593360 #china #spying #nationalsecurity #politicshub SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for more videos: http://www.youtube.com/skynews Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/skynews Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skynews Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skynews Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skynews For more content go to http://news.sky.com and download our apps: Apple https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/sky-news/id316391924?mt=8 Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bskyb.skynews.android&hl=en_GB Sky News Daily podcast is available for free here: https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily/ To enquire about licensing Sky News content, you can find more information here: https://news.sky.com/info/library-sales