China presents ‘threats’ to Britain but CPS to blame over spy trial, says Bridget Phillipson

CHINA presents “threats” to UK national security but the Crown Prosecution Service is to blame for the collapse of the recent spying trial, according to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.

Asked if Keir Starmer or other ministers knew what was happening before the case collapsed, she told the Camilla Tominey Show on GB News: “These are decisions and matters for the Crown Prosecution Service, who take decisions about whether or not to proceed with the prosecution.

“It’s worth just pointing out that because this took place back in 2023 it was on the basis of the legislation in force. Then we now have the National Security Act, so the law has moved on in order to allow for prosecutions.

“But this ultimately was a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service. We are very disappointed that the prosecutions didn’t proceed, but that is unfortunately where we are.”

She added: “We are clear as a government that China presents opportunities but challenges and threats alongside that. There are threats and challenges that come. It’s why we take a strategic approach to China, and it’s why alongside that, we are clear that this government’s number one responsibility is to the national security of our country.

“Of course, we need to engage with China. They’re a big economy, but what comes first is our national security.”

Pressed further on the issue, she said: “China presents threats and challenges, but we also believe that China presents opportunities in terms of our trading relationships with Chinese businesses.

“The trial and the evidence that was connected to that predates this government. Goes back to 2023 and was ultimately a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.

“I can’t speak to what Simon Case has said. All I can make clear is that we are disappointed that prosecutions didn’t go ahead. But this does predate this government. It goes back some years, and it was a decision taken by the Crown Prosecution Service.”

On running for deputy leader of the Labour Party, she was asked why she would be better in the role than Lucy Powell: ”I’m standing because I want to unite the Labour Party to deliver change, but also I’ll be a campaigning voice at the heart of government.

“I’ve got a strong track record of getting things done that Labour members appreciate. You know, expanding free school meals, actually VAT on private schools is rather popular with Labour Party members and with the public as well.”

She added: “I know what I’ll be pushing for, and what I’m asking members is for a mandate to be that voice at the cabinet table pushing for change in the in the model of people like Angela Rayner and John Prescott, who were in government running big departments but also brought members’ voices to the table and push for good Labour policies.”

Asked if she can win, she said: “Yes. I think the most recent serious poll that we’ve got shows that it’s all to play for. But also that captures Labour Party members. What it doesn’t capture [is] our affiliated support.

“There’s now big trade unions, and I’m really proud to have the backing of many of our biggest trade unions in this contest.”