Did Starmer national security chief spark China spying trial collapse?

Keir Starmer's national security chief is at the centre of a storm amid the collapse of a trial over alleged Chinese spying today.

Jonathan Powell is reported to have made clear that the Government would classify Beijing as a 'challenge' rather than an 'enemy' of the UK in evidence for the case.

However, prosecutions under the Official Secrets Act require proof that defendants acted in the interests of an enemy.

Christopher Cash, 30, from Whitechapel, east London, and teacher Christopher Berry, 33, of Witney, Oxfordshire, were each charged with the offence of spying under the Official Secrets Act.

They were set to face trial this month, but proceedings against them were stopped on Monday, sparking criticism from Downing Street and MPs.