The Government is under huge pressure to explain why the high-profile trial of two men accused of spying for China collapsed just weeks before it was due to begin.

Former parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry were charged under the Official Secrets Act, accused of gathering sensitive information for Beijing between December 2021 and February 2023. Both men have always maintained their innocence. Now, ministers face mounting criticism after the Crown Prosecution Service said the case failed because key evidence linking China to national security threats was never provided.

In today’s episode of The Daily T, Camilla and Jacob Rees-Mogg discuss how a collapsed spy case could spell serious trouble for Starmer’s Government. We’re also joined by Tory MP Tom Tugendhat who points out that his party repeatedly described China as a threat to the country whilst in Government.

And should Westminster really be deciding how people discipline their own children? As acting legend Michael Caine and the former England footballer Alan Shearer join calls for Keir Starmer to ban smacking, Camilla and JRM share their own experiences of disciplining their children (and you might be surprised by Jacob’s response).

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Producers: Georgia Coan

Senior Producer: John Cadigan

Video Producer: Will Walters

Studio Operator: Meghan Searle

Executive Producer: Charlotte Seligman

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Editor: Camilla Tominey

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How the China spy scandal could bring down Keir Starmer

The Daily T

How the China spy scandal could bring down Keir Starmer