China Spying Case

Debate between Geoffrey Cox and Iain Duncan Smith

Tuesday 28th October 2025 Commons Chamber

[Dan Jarvis]

Let me just finish my point. I will come back to the right hon. and learned Gentleman if time allows.

The meeting was specifically set up to provide the FCDO with an opportunity to discuss—at an appropriately senior official level; no Ministers attended the meeting—what the approach would be to handling engagement with China across a range of scenarios related to this case, as well as in relation to wider issues that would come up. Those who attended the meeting were operating on the basis that the trial would go ahead at the start of October.

[Sir Iain Duncan Smith]

rose—

[Sir Geoffrey Cox]

rose—

[Dan Jarvis]

I am going to make a bit of progress, because time is against me.

Meetings such as this are a routine part of the NSA’s role.

[Sir Iain Duncan Smith]

Will the Minister give way?

[Sir Geoffrey Cox]

The Minister did say he would give way to me.