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Official Secrets Act Halts Cash and Berry Spy Trial

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer says the Official Secrets Act 1911 caused the Cash and Berry trial, accused of spying for China, to collapse.
He adds that the National Security Act 2023 would have allowed the prosecution to proceed for 2021–2023 offenses.
The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson declined to proceed due to insufficient evidence, drawing criticism from former barrister Lord Alex Carlile.

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Story summary

Attorney General Lord Richard Hermer says the Official Secrets Act 1911 caused the Cash and Berry trial, accused of spying for China, to collapse.
He adds that the National Security Act 2023 would have allowed the prosecution to proceed for 2021–2023 offenses.
The Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson declined to proceed due to insufficient evidence, drawing criticism from former barrister Lord Alex Carlile.