Alleged Spying Case: Role of Attorney General’s Office Debate

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Department: Attorney General

Alleged Spying Case: Role of Attorney General’s Office

Tom Gordon Excerpts
Thursday 23rd October 2025

(2 days, 1 hour ago)

Commons Chamber
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Ellie Reeves Portrait The Solicitor General
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In order for this case to succeed, it was based on the relationship with China at the time of the offences and how China was viewed then. I have already referred to the meeting on 1 September, which was on the presumption that the case would continue. The Attorney General will set out his evidence to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy next week.

Tom Gordon Portrait Tom Gordon (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (LD)
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I previously asked the Security Minister about the lack of inclusion of China on the enhanced tier of the foreign influence registration scheme. What input or advice has the Attorney General or the Solicitor General given to the Government on that? Given the ongoing situation, will she now reconsider and push for the Government to do that?

Ellie Reeves Portrait The Solicitor General
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Under the law as it now stands, it would be easier to bring prosecutions in cases such as these. We are deeply disappointed that this prosecution did not go ahead, but I will get back to him on the specific points that he raises.