Sir Keir Starmer faced tough questions in the Commons as pressure mounts over the government’s handling over the China spy case.
The Crown Prosecution Service said the case collapsed because the Government’s evidence did not show that China represented a threat to national security at the time of the alleged offences.
Starmer began PMQs with delivering a statement on the case, attempting to pin the blame on the last Tory government because of its policy.
He said the Conservative administration’s Integrated Review of 2021 and the refresh of that document in 2023 were “very carefully worded to not describe China as an enemy”.
Ms Badenoch accused Sir Keir of “obfuscation” adding: “It is simply unbelievable that he is trying to say the last government did not classify China as a threat.”
The prime minister has now vowed to publish a key witness statement submitted as part of the case, after it accused the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of having blocked its publication.
The CPS hit back, and insisted it was entirely up to the Government to release the evidence if it wanted to.
Key Points
- Starmer vows to publish China spy scandal witness statements in clash with Badenoch
- Starmer facing grilling in the Commons
- Downing Street and law chiefs clash over China spy case evidence
- Reeves hints at tax rises and spending cuts in Budget
- Reeves blames Brexit for Britain's economic woes
Badenoch accuses government of China spy case cover up
13:27 , Athena StavrouThe Government’s response to the Crown Prosecution Service dropping a case against two suspected spies “stinks of a cover up”, Kemi Badenoch said.
The Conservative Party leader said: “The CPS has said in the clearest terms that this prosecution was dropped because this Government did not provide the statement they expected. Why should we believe a man who said in the last Prime Minister’s Questions, said he had full confidence in the best friend of a convicted paedophile? Forgive us if we don’t trust a word he says.
“This all stinks of a cover up. Given his statement earlier, will the Prime Minister publish today not just the Government witness statements, but also the meeting minutes and all of the correspondence that he had with the CPS?”
Sir Keir said: “I can assure the House there’s no substantive delay here. I notice the concern to a number of people, acute concerns to them, and will have the statements out in full. There is a fit and proper process I need to go through.”
Watch: Lib Dems call for national security services to 'assess threat' Musk poses to British democracy
13:11 , Athena StavrouChina spy row dominates PMQs
12:55 , Athena StavrouThis week’s PMQs is now finished, and one topic dominated the debate.
Sir Keir Starmer began the session with delivering a statement, attempting to explain the collapse of the China spy case.
He attempted to pin the blame on the last Tory government because of its policy, and accused the opposition of putting forward “baseless allegations”.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused Sir Keir of “obfuscation” adding: “It is simply unbelievable that he is trying to say the last government did not classify China as a threat.”
The prime minister vowed to publish a key witness statement submitted as part of the case, after it accused the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of having blocked its publication.
The CPS hit back, and insisted it was entirely up to the Government to release the evidence if it wanted to.
Starmer accused of making it harder for Hong Kongers to settle in Britain
12:42 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of making it harder for Hong Kongers to settle in Britain.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper said: “Hong Kongers in St Albans and across the UK have settled in our communities after they have fled repression at the hands of the Chinese state.
“But now they see a British they see a British government that wants to make it harder for Hong Kongers to settle in permanently, that refuses to increase targeted sanctions on Chinese officials who put bounties on Hong Kongers heads, that is refusing to rule out a Chinese super embassy and is failing to tackle Chinese espionage.”
Ms Cooper said Hong Kongers increasingly think Sir Keir is “trading away their security and safety in our communities for a cozier relationship with Beijing”.
Starmer falters as he says he will have to ‘double check’ his facts on China at PMQs
12:34 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Starmer, as we know, is a former lawyer. And he campaigned to become PM by portraying himself as the ‘grown up in the room’.
That is why the PM did not help his case by telling MPs at the Despatch Box at PNQs that he would have to “double check” his facts.
He told MPs: “No minister or special adviser was involved, and I will double check this, Mr Speaker, because it is important, after the charging decision”.
MPs on the Tory benches jeered as the PM said he would have to check his facts.
Analysis: Kemi Badenoch has had her best PMQs
12:31 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
The Tory leader has had a lot of criticism for her performances in PMQs in the past months, but today was properly her strongest one yet.
Having dropped the ball in pursuing Angela Rayner last month, Kemi Badenoch was well prepared today even anticipating an impromptu statement from Sir Keir Starmer.
She hit all the right notes, reminding us all of Starmer appointing Lord Mandelson, “friend of Epstein”, as ambassador to the US, as well as grilling the PM in detail on the China spy case.Starmer looked deeply uncomfortable and even had to resort to cheap shots about the Tory leader.
After a strong conference speech, Ms Badenoch may finally be answering her critics and finally growing into her role as Leader of the Opposition.
Starmer brands Powell meeting allegation a ‘red herring’ and ‘scurrilous allegation’ by the Conservatives
12:28 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer has branded the row over when meetings took place in the collapse of the China spy case a “red herring” and accused the Conservatives of making “scurrilous allegations” against Labour.
The prime minister said there were no further submission of any evidence after August 2025, and that a September meeting reported by The Sunday Times is a “red herring”.
The Sunday Times reported allegations that, after a meeting last month, “Jonathan Powell in cahoots with the Treasury had been driving through” a decision not to put forward evidence referring to Beijing as an enemy.
Sir Keir said: “There was no further submission of evidence, one way or another, after any discussion in September. This is a red herring and a completely scurrilous allegation being made by the leader of the opposition.”
Watch: Government will publish witness statement it submitted as part of China spy case, Starmer says
12:27 , Athena StavrouAnalysis: Keir Starmer is going back to his comfort zone - being a lawyer
12:25 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Keir Starmer is in his happy space when he is being a lawyer and quoting technicalities of the law.
It is always hard to follow but this is a man who made his business looking at legal technicalities in court to win a case.
The problem is that it does not make convincing political arguments especially when he says he needs to “double check” key facts.
It led to the Ms Badenoch making the remark: “What is the point of having a lawyer instead of a leader as Prime Minister” if he can’t protect national security?
It clearly hurt Sir Keir who came back with a cheap retort: “She is neither a lawyer nor a leader.”
Starmer exposes Tory record on China
12:22 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has attempted to dig himself out of a hole on China by pointing to the Opposition's record, reading out quotes from both James Cleverly, the then foreign secretary, and Kemi Badenoch, who was leader of the opposition in the year two people were accused of spying for Beijing.
The PM said: “The then foreign secretary, one month after the arrest, so absolutely the relevant time, gave a speech at Mansion House. It was called ‘our position on China’, setting out the government’s policy. He said in that speech that 'summing up China as a threat in one word would be impossible, impractical and most importantly unwise.'"
He added: "It wasn’t just him. The leader of the opposition was business secretary at the time. In September 2023, the relevant year, the leader of the Opposition said we should certainly not be describing China as a foe."
Starmer believes witness statement will vindicate him
12:20 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has said he believes the publication of a witness statement given to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will vindicate Labour over the collapsed China spying case.
The prime minister said deputy national security adviser Matthew Collins’ will be disclosed in full and “they will all be able to read it”.
He is continuing to blame the previous Conservative government for the CPS’ failure to prosecute the case.
As he tried again to draw a line under the row, Sir Keir said: “I am going to disclose it. They will all be able to read it.”
Analysis: Starmer tries – and fails - to draw a line under China spy row
12:13 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Whitehall editor Kate Devlin reports:
Keir Starmer started PMQs by making a statement on the China spy row – in which he said he had decided to publish the witness statement at the centre of the row over the collapse of the case.He came out fighting, telling the Tory leader Kemi Badenoch that were it not for the former government led by her party ”we would not be where we are”.
But his remarks merely opened the door to more questions.
And with the soon-to-be published witness statement yet to land, the PM failed to draw a line under the issue.
Tory Brexiteer humiliated in Commons clash over Northern Ireland
12:11 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
Hilary Benn has hit back at Tory Brexiteer Andrew Rosindell, who said “severedly restricted trade” between Great Britain and Northern Ireland is a “disgrace”.
The Northern Ireland secretary pointed to Mr Rosindell’s own record in advocating for Brexit.He said: “I’d just say to those who advocated that we should leave the European Union, this is the consequence of it. Because you had an open border two, two different jurisdictions. How are you going to deal with trade in those circumstances?
“Secondly, the goods are flowing, the goods are moving. If you look at the evidence, the Northern Ireland economy in the second quarter grew by 2 per cent. That is not indicative of a problem.”
Starmer deals with China spying scandal before he can be asked a question
12:10 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political editor David Maddox reports:
Keir Starmer has used the start of PMQs to make a statement on the China spying scandal knowing that Kemi Badenoch is going to ask repeated questions on it.
With the support of the Speaker he is explaining why the case collapsed and is attempting to pin the blame on the last Tory government because of its policy.
“Had the Conservatives been quicker in updating our legislation this wouldn’t have happened.”
He insists: “No minister or special adviser played any role in this matter.”
Nevertheless he is still under pressure over why key evidence was not handed over.Starmer is now set to publish the witness statements in full to be transparent.
Starmer condemns death threats against Nigel Farage
12:08 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Sir Keir Starmer has sought to cool rising tensions between himself and Nigel Farage, condemning a death threat made against the Reform UK leader.
The prime minister was accused by Mr Farage of fuelling violence against him after repeatedly criticising him during Labour’s conference in Liverpool.
Opening prime minister’s questions, Sir Keir said: "Today marks four years since the horrific murder of Sir David. Famous Sir David was much loved across the house, kind and generous, I know it was a huge loss to many members.
“As we remember, Sir David and Jo Cox, of course, I want to take this opportunity to condemn unequivocally the death threat made against the Honorable Member for Clacton [Mr Farage].
“I know that our house will welcome the justice that has been done, whatever our disagreements, we are all parliamentarians, and I won't stand for violence or threats against our democracy.”
Starmer explains China spy case
12:06 , Athena StavrouAt the outset of PMQs, Sir Keir Starmer sought to explain the government’s position on the collapsed China spy case.
He said he was “deeply disappointed” in the outcome of the case and said in recent weeks there had been “baseless allegations” put forward by the Tories.
PMQs kicks off in the Commons
12:02 , Athena StavrouThis week’s PMQs has begun in the Commons.
Sir Keir Starmer is facing questions from the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Topics likely to be raised include the government’s handling of the China spy case, potential tax hikes and more.
We will bring you the latest updates here.
PMQs to begin shortly
11:50 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer is set to face questions in the Commons shortly.
It is the first time he and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch have faced off in weeks.
We will bring you the latest updates here.
Starmer leaves No10 for PMQs
11:40 , Athena Stavrou
Downing Street and law chiefs clash over China spy case evidence
11:23 , Athena StavrouDowning Street has clashed with the Crown Prosecution Service over the release of evidence said to be vital to explaining why the China spy case collapsed.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government is at odds with the agency over a claim it blocked the publication of a witness statement at the heart of the case.
Cabinet secretary Chris Wormald is understood to have been prepared to publish a government witness statement central to the withdrawal of espionage charges against two men accused of spying for Beijing in Parliament.
However, lawyers in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) were said to have blocked the move.
But the CPS hit back, and insisted it was entirely up to the government to release the evidence if it wanted to.
The government may now be forced to publish the key evidence in the case, with a minister saying they are “looking at what the options are”.
Home secretary: Britain has lost control of its borders
11:17 , Athena StavrouBritain has lost control of its borders and is fuelling a loss of trust in politics, the home secretary will warn on Wednesday.
Shabana Mahmood is to issue the warning as she hosts her counterparts from across the Western Balkans, as well as other European allies, at a summit in London.
In one of the most stark assessments of the impact of small boat crossings on public trust in government, Ms Mahmood is to say it risks undermining “the credibility of the state itself”.
She will insist that Britain can only stem the flow of migrants arriving on small boats through international cooperation.
What is happening today?
11:00 , Athena StavrouIt is yet another busy day in government, with several notable things happening today.
- Sir Keir Starmer will face PMQs for the first time in weeks in the Commons.
- The PM will likely face questions on the government’s handling of the China spy case, and Rachel Reeve’s comments on potential tax hikes.
- Rachel Reeves is attending the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting today in Washington DC, after the IMF warned UK inflation will surge to the highest in the G7 in 2025 and 2026.
- In the High Court, Epping Forest District Council’s bid to block the use of the Bell Hotel as accommodation for asylum seekers is set to be heard.
Full story: Reeves admits she’s looking at tax rises and spending cuts in Budget
10:52 , Athena Stavrou
Reeves admits she’s looking at tax rises and spending cuts in Budget
Analysis: Under pressure Starmer and Badenoch to go head to head for first time in weeks
10:31 , Athena StavrouThe Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin reports:
Keir Starmer and Kemi Badenoch will face off at PMQs today for the first time in weeks, after a party conference season which saw both of them stable their respective ships – for now.
But the Labour leader is expected to come under intense pressure over the recent collapse of the China spying trial.
And the Tory leader will still have to convince her restless backbenchers that her conference speech - in which she unveiled her big policy of scrapping stamp duty - was not a one-off.
Reeves eyes tax hikes as economy suffers ‘severe and long-lasting’ Brexit impact
10:16 , Athena StavrouRachel Reeves acknowledged she was looking at potential tax rises and spending cuts to fill a black hole in her Budget - which she said was partly due to the lingering impact of Brexit.
The chancellor said “austerity, Brexit, and the ongoing impact of Liz Truss’s mini-budget, all of those things have weighed heavily on the UK economy”.
“Already, people thought that the UK economy would be 4 per cent smaller because of Brexit,” she said.
“Now, of course, we are undoing some of that damage by the deal that we did with the EU earlier this year on food and farming, goods moving between us and the continent, on energy and electricity trading, on an ambitious youth mobility scheme.
“But there is no doubting that the impact of Brexit is severe and long lasting and that’s why we are trying to do trade deals around the world, US, India, but most importantly with the EU so that our exporters here in Britain have a chance to sell things made here all around the world.”
Badenoch hits back at Reeves' tax rise comments
09:59 , Athena StavrouKemi Badenoch has launched an attack on Rachel Reeves after the chancellor admitted she was considering tax hikes in the upcoming Budget.
The Conservative leader wrote on X: “After her tax bombshell in last year's budget, Rachel Reeves promised she wouldn't be coming back for more. Now she finally admits tax rises are coming.
“There is an alternative - cut spending and lower taxes. Only the @Conservatives have a plan for a stronger economy.”
After her tax bombshell in last year's budget, Rachel Reeves promised she wouldn't be coming back for more. Now she finally admits tax rises are coming.
— Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) October 15, 2025
There is an alternative - cut spending and lower taxes. Only the @Conservatives have a plan for a stronger economy. pic.twitter.com/ZCxlPvQDCu
Watch: Reeves blames Brexit for Britain's economic woes
09:46 , Athena StavrouDefence secretary at Nato meeting
09:34 , Athena StavrouAway from the UK, John Healey is currently in Brussels for a Nato summit.
The defence secretary is meeting other minister’s of defence as he warned the UK and Nato members will ramp up their response to Putin’s aggression.
Reeves facing black hole of up to £50bn
09:20 , Athena StavrouEconomists have warned that the chancellor is facing a black hole of up to £50bn at her next Budget, but has been told she cannot afford to tinker at the margins “by picking from a Scrabble bag” of smaller tax increases.
Leading tax expert Dan Neidle, the founder of Tax Policy Associates, said the “wise” way for Ms Reeves to increase taxes would be “raising one of the main taxes, possibly by expanding the base of VAT, which may or may not break a manifesto pledge”.
Reeves to attend IMF meeting after inflation blow
09:05 , Athena StavrouRachel Reeves is set to attend the annual International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting today in Washington DC.
The chancellor will meet G7 finance ministers and attend a Ukraine roundtable before a G20 ministerial dinner on Wednesday.
It comes after the IMF warned UK inflation will surge to the highest in the G7 in 2025 and 2026.
Watch: Expert warns Rachel Reeves to raise major taxes and reform others as he warns of 'desperate' situation
08:55 , Athena StavrouUK faces highest inflation in G7 in pre-Budget blow for Reeves
08:48 , Athena StavrouRachel Reeves has been delivered another major blow ahead of next month’s make-or-break Budget as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned inflation will surge to the highest in the G7 in 2025 and 2026.
The latest outlook report suggests British households will face the fastest-growing costs among the G7 group of advanced economies, driven in part by rising food and hospitality prices.
Its report, described as “grim”, casts doubt on the Bank of England’s hopes of bringing interest rates back down to the 2 per cent target rate in the near future.
The IMF said price inflation in the UK would increase more sharply than previous predictions in July; it now expects UK inflation to average at 3.4 per cent in 2025, rather than 3.2 per cent, and 2.5 per cent in 2026 next year, up from 2.3 per cent.
It also trimmed its growth prediction for 2026 amid concerns over the jobs market – but raised its forecast for this year.
Full story: Reeves admits she’s looking at tax rises and spending cuts in Budget
08:46 , Athena StavrouReeves admits she’s looking at tax rises and spending cuts in Budget
Starmer to face Commons grilling
08:45 , Athena StavrouSir Keir Starmer is set to face a grilling in the Commons as questions mount over the China spy case and the upcoming Budget.
The prime minister will answer questions from opposition at PMQs after his Government and the Crown Prosecution Service clashed over the release of vital evidence.
No 10 accused the CPS of having blocked the publication of a crucial witness statement.
The CPS hit back, and insisted it was entirely up to the Government to release the evidence if it wanted to.
Reeves hints at tax rises and spending cuts in Budget
08:33 , Athena StavrouRachel Reeves acknowledged she was looking at potential tax rises and spending cuts to fill a black hole in her Budget which she said was partly due to the lingering impact of Brexit.
The Chancellor said “of course, we’re looking at tax and spending” as she prepares for her November 26 statement.
She told Sky News: “Challenges are being thrown our way, whether that is the geopolitical uncertainties, the conflicts around the world, the increased tariffs and barriers to trade and now this review looking at how productive our economy has been in the past and then projecting that forward.
“But I won’t duck those challenges. Of course, we’re looking at tax and spending as well, but the numbers will always add up with me as Chancellor because we saw just three years ago what happens when a government, where the Conservatives, lost control of the public finances – inflation and interest rates went through the roof.”
