Prosecutors have dropped charges against two men, including a former parliamentary researcher, who had been accused of spying for China, but the decision has prompted a furious reaction from leading members of the UK government.
Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, had previously denied the charges under the Official Secrets Act. Beijing called the allegations "malicious slander".
The two men were accused of gathering and providing information prejudicial to the safety and interests of the state between 28 December 2021 and 3 February 2023.
Speaking outside the Old Bailey following the decision to cease legal proceedings on Monday, Mr Cash said he was "relieved that justice has been served".
He described the two years since his arrest as a "nightmare" and said he hoped "lessons are learned from this sorry episode".
