Labour MP’s husband arrested on suspicion of spying for China
A Labour MP said she has never been to China or asked about China in the House of Commons after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for the country.
David Taylor, the partner of East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Joani Reid, is one of three men arrested by the Metropolitan Police under the National Security Act.
The 39-year-old man, 68-year-old and 43-year-old all remain in police custody.
Reacting to the news, Reid said: ‘I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law.
‘I am not part of my husband’s business activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation, and we should not be treated by media organisations as though we are.’
She added: ‘I have never been to China. I have never spoken on China or China related matters in the Commons. I have never asked a question on China-related matters.
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‘As far as I am aware I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests.
‘I am a social democrat who believes in freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections. I am not any sort of admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist party’s dictatorship.’
Commander Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said: ‘Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this.
‘Our investigation continues, and we thank the public for their ongoing support.’
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