Counter-terror police arrested Labour MP Joani Reid’s husband and two other men in a China spying probe - all three are now on bail as detectives search for answers
Police have bailed the husband of a Labour MP and two other men after arresting them on suspicion of spying for China.
Counter Terrorism Command arrested David Taylor, 39, on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Taylor is married to Joani Reid, Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven.
Two other men, aged 43 and 68, were also arrested in the same operation. All three have been released on bail until May while enquiries continue.
Police detained Taylor at an address in London, with the other arrests made in Pontyclun in south Wales and Powys. Officers also carried out searches at multiple properties including in London, Cardiff and East Kilbride.
A general view of New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police.
Reid said she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law” and stressed she has no personal or parliamentary links to China.
Taylor is listed as a lobbyist on Reid’s register of interests, and Reid sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee.
In the Commons, security minister Dan Jarvis said the government had formally raised concerns with Chinese officials in London and Beijing, warning: “If there is proven evidence of attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, we will impose severe consequences.”
Police said they do not believe the arrests relate to any “imminent or direct threat to the public”. The investigation is ongoing.
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HeadlineSpy scandal fears as Labour MP’s husband arrested
Short HeadlineGovernment issues China warning over UK “interference” fears
StandfirstCounter-terror police arrested Labour MP Joani Reid’s husband and two other men in a China spying probe - all three are now on bail as detectives search for answers
Police have bailed the husband of a Labour MP and two other men after arresting them on suspicion of spying for China.
Counter Terrorism Command arrested David Taylor, 39, on Wednesday on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Taylor is married to Joani Reid, Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven.
Two other men, aged 43 and 68, were also arrested in the same operation. All three have been released on bail until May while enquiries continue.
Police detained Taylor at an address in London, with the other arrests made in Pontyclun in south Wales and Powys. Officers also carried out searches at multiple properties including in London, Cardiff and East Kilbride.
A general view of New Scotland Yard, the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police.
Reid said she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law” and stressed she has no personal or parliamentary links to China.
Taylor is listed as a lobbyist on Reid’s register of interests, and Reid sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee.
In the Commons, security minister Dan Jarvis said the government had formally raised concerns with Chinese officials in London and Beijing, warning: “If there is proven evidence of attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, we will impose severe consequences.”
Police said they do not believe the arrests relate to any “imminent or direct threat to the public”. The investigation is ongoing.
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