China crisis
WHEN Keir Starmer told us wealth creation was his number one priority, we didn’t expect it to be at the expense of national security.
But that is the conclusion many will draw from the failure to prosecute two men accused of spying for China from the heart of Westminster.
The case collapsed after the Government refused to provide evidence in court that the Communist regime posed a potential threat to Britain.
It says everything about Sir Keir’s spineless administration that it lacks the balls to state the blindingly obvious.
Security chiefs have been warning for some time that Beijing is engaged in a relentless and prolific campaign of espionage against us.
In 2023, MI5 boss Sir Ken McCallum raised the alarm over “epic” efforts to recruit 20,000 spies in the UK.
Yet China is so deeply embedded in Britain’s infrastructure — with stakes in everything from nuclear power to universities — that we are afraid to brand it an enemy in case it takes economic revenge.
A former diplomat who was due to give evidence at the trial says he perceived “a desire not to offend China”.
In doing so, Labour has dealt a blow to justice and national security by showing our enemies that we are ready to roll over.
To many, it will look like a free rein to spy on us at will.
The PM has still not got his story straight on what actually happened.
He must address MPs and clear up this whole sorry mess when Parliament returns.
Win for speech
SETTING fire to a copy of the Koran may be stupid and highly offensive, but a judge ruled yesterday that it is not a crime.
In overturning Hamit Coskun’s conviction, Mr Justice Bennathan struck a blow for freedom of expression.
He made it clear it is not for the state to intervene when we exercise our “precious right” to express our views, even if they upset, offend or shock.
Let’s hope police chiefs take note — and cease sending officers to tick off law-abiding citizens who speak their mind.
Caring Wills
PRINCE William’s tears did more to raise awareness of suicide prevention than anything he could have said.
His emotional response to meeting a woman whose husband took his own life instantly cut through all the words that have been written on the subject.
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies in this way and one in four people admits to having had suicidal thoughts.
Often the best way to help those who contemplate ending their life is to show them you care.
It’s clear that William does.