Yvette Cooper spoke to the Today Programme about the Powell spy scandal. She was asked if the National Security Adviser was responsible for withholding evidence that would have branded China an enemy:
“Well, let me be clear that we know China poses threats to UK national security from things like transnational repression and espionage to hostile cyber activity as well… But you know that I am deeply frustrated about this case because I of course wanted to see it prosecuted. But ministers were not involved in any of the evidence that was put to the Crown Prosecution Service or the Crown Prosecution Services independent decisions because this was a criminal case.”
Insiders say that Olly Robbins’ FCDO and Powell have been pushing for closer economic ties and not to rock the boat with an ‘enemy’ designation. Starmer looks to have been kept in the dark. He also insisted ministers – and ministers only – were innocent yesterday. Powell in the firing line…
