LABOUR is accused of scapegoating a security mandarin over the collapse of the China spying trial.
The Government faces mounting pressure for failing to provide prosecutors with evidence that Beijing is a threat to Britain’s national security.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis yesterday said the decision not to hand over proof of China being an enemy was taken by Collins[/caption]
And MPs have demanded China be placed alongside Russia and Iran in the highest risk category — as MI5 warned it is among hostile states targeting them.
A blame game erupted after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges against Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who denied spying.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis yesterday said the decision not to hand over proof of China being an enemy was taken by Deputy National Security Adviser Matthew Collins and insisted no ministers were involved.
Mr Jarvis admitted China posed “a series of threats” — but also economic opportunities for the UK too.
Tory ex-security minister Tom Tugendhat accused Labour of throwing civil servant Mr Collins under the bus.
He said: “Matthew Collins has served our nation with integrity. Claiming he is the obstacle to a case of such importance is deeply dispiriting.”
Former Cabinet minister Michael Gove added: “Are we really asked to believe a single civil servant is alone responsible? I fear he may be being made a scapegoat.”
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said PM Sir Keir Starmer does “not have the backbone to stand up to Beijing”.
Earlier MI5 boss Sir Ken McCallum told MPs: “When foreign states steal information or manipulate our democratic processes they don’t just damage our security in the short-term, they erode the foundations of our sovereignty.”
Former Cabinet minister Michael Gove said: ‘Are we really asked to believe a single civil servant is alone responsible? I fear he may be being made a scapegoat’[/caption]
