Spy Probe Shock: MP Says Husband Broke No Law
A China spy probe rocks UK politics as police arrest three men, including the husband of Joani Reid, under the National Security Act.
Scottish Labour MP Joannie Reid has said she never saw anything that would make her suspect her husband had "broken any law" after her husband, David Taylor, was arrested along with two other men on suspicion of spying for China.
Earlier, the Metropolitan Police said the men, aged 39, 43, and 68, were arrested in London and Wales as part of a counter-terrorism policing investigation under the National Security Act.
The three men, who police have not named, remain in custody. Searches were conducted on properties in London, Cardiff, and East Kilbride on Wednesday.
Following Taylor's arrest, Reid said in a statement that she was "not part" of her husband's business activities.
She added: "Neither I nor my children are part of this investigation, and media organizations should not treat us as if we are. Above all, I expect media organizations to respect my children's privacy." Reid, who was elected MP for the East Kilbride and Strathaven constituency in 2024, said she had never visited China nor spoken about any China-related matter in the House of Commons.
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"I never asked any questions on China-related matters," she said.
"As far as I know, I never met any Chinese businesses, Chinese diplomats, or government officials while I was an MP, nor did I raise any concerns about Chinese interests with ministers or anyone else, even incidentally."
She said she is a Social Democrat who believes in "freedom of speech, free trade unions, and free elections" and is not "in any way apologetic for or praising the dictatorship of the Chinese Communist Party."
Hours before Reid's statement, the Met Police said a 39-year-old man had been arrested in London.
Police said a 68-year-old man had been arrested in Powys, Wales, and a 43-year-old man in Pontyclun, Wales.
Police said all three were charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service under Section 3 of the National Security Act, which was introduced in 2023 to target suspects accused of working against UK interests.
The Met said they received support from counter-terror police in Wales and Scotland.
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An address linked to one of those arrested in Pontyclun was being searched. A car outside was also searched and photographed.
Taylor is a former adviser to Welsh Labour leaders and a former Labour candidate for North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Welsh Government said it does not comment on live police investigations.
The Welsh Conservatives in the Senedd have requested an urgent statement from the First Minister.
Meanwhile, a Police Scotland spokesperson said the force had searched an address in East Kilbride as part of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said the Met has seen a "significant increase" in national security casework in recent years, but officers were working to "prevent wrongdoing where we suspect it."
The arrests come just weeks after Sir Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing, as the government considers cautiously resetting UK-China economic relations.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis told Parliament that if Chinese interference in UK sovereign affairs is proven, there will be "serious consequences."
He told MPs, "This government is steadfast in its resolve to counter foreign interference activity targeting the UK from any state actor."
He further said that British officials had informed Chinese counterparts in London and Beijing about the allegations.
Jarvis also said that it would be "naive" for anyone to suggest that the UK should not have a "functional working relationship" with China.
Responding to Jarvis in the Commons, Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Alex Burghardt said: "Until the United Kingdom confronts these threats, our country will continue to be treated badly."
Burghardt cited previous failed espionage scandals involving China and the recent approval of a Chinese mega-embassy in central London, despite opponents warning it could be used as a spying base and pose a security threat.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch posted a video on X, saying: "The spouse of a sitting Labour MP has been arrested for alleged espionage, as has the partner of a former Labour MP.
"These people were arrested under the National Security Act, suspected of assisting a foreign intelligence service that was directly targeting our democracy.
"China is targeting Britain, targeting our MPs. Enough is enough."
He also criticized Sir Keir's decision to visit Beijing in January and the government's approval of a new Chinese embassy in London.
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