Commons open to espionage after China spying charges dropped, says Speaker

The Speaker of the UK's House of Commons is considering private legal action against two individuals who were previously accused of spying for China. The charges against the two men were recently dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service. The Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has expressed concerns that the dismissal of the charges has left the House of Commons vulnerable to potential espionage activities. He believes that the decision not to prosecute the individuals sends a concerning message and could embolden other foreign agents to target the UK parliament. Hoyle has stated that he is exploring options for private legal action in order to protect the integrity and security of the Commons. He emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the institution from foreign interference and ensuring that any potential threats are addressed appropriately. The case has raised questions about the handling of national security matters and the measures in place to protect the UK's democratic institutions from espionage activities.