Scotland Yard announced the arrest of three men on suspicion of assisting foreign intelligence. The suspects are alleged to have spied for China. The arrests are part of an investigation under the National Security Act.
The men arrested are 39, 43, and 68 years old. The arrests took place in London and Wales: a 39-year-old man was detained in the capital, a 43-year-old in Pontyclun (South Wales), and a 68-year-old in Powys (Mid Wales). All three remain in custody, and searches have been conducted at their homes.
According to media reports, one of those arrested is David Taylor, 39, the husband of current Labour MP Joani Reid, who represents the East Kilbride and Strathaven constituency (elected in 2024).
Joanie Reid herself has already issued a statement: “I have never seen anything to lead me to suspect my husband has broken the law. I am not involved in his business activities. Above all, I ask the media to respect the privacy of my children. I have never been to China and have never spoken in the House of Commons on China-related matters.”
Police are not officially releasing the names of those detained or disclosing details of the charges, but sources indicate that they are charged with “assisting foreign intelligence activities” and attempting to influence British democracy.
This case heightens tensions around Chinese espionage in the UK—it is not the first high-profile incident related to national security and Chinese influence in recent months. The investigation is ongoing, overseen by the Counter-Terrorism Command.