Janice R. Andrews
A Tory parliamentary researcher accused of spying for China has made a startling statement from the center of British politics. Chris Cash, 29, is accused of giving sensitive information to a foreign state, according to charges made against him under the Official Secrets Act, the Metropolitan Police said on Monday. In addition to Cash, thirty-two-year-old Christopher Berry is also charged.
Cash was a longtime parliamentary pass holder who worked as a researcher for Foreign Affairs Committee Chairwoman Alicia Kearns and was close to Security Minister Tom Tugendhat. Berry and Cash are charged with “providing prejudicial information to a foreign state, China.”
Ms. Kearns declined to comment further due to the seriousness of the case and the sensitivity of the pending judicial processes. Head of the Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division for the Crown Prosecution Service Nick Price stressed the ongoing nature of the criminal proceedings and warned against any acts that would jeopardize the defendants’ right to a fair trial.
In order to preserve the integrity of the justice system, Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command emphasized the investigation’s intricacy and urged caution in public remarks.
According to the accusations, Berry and Cash allegedly engaged in acts over a considerable amount of time that were harmful to the state’s interests and safety. On April 26, both people are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to answer to the allegations that have been brought against them.
The case’s developing ramifications for diplomatic relations and national security are significant, leading to a reassessment of the protections offered by the corridors of power.
