Allegations that two suspected Chinese spies were working in Britain's parliament sent shock waves around Westminster and the United Kingdom after the men's arrest in 2023.

That shock morphed into surprise and scrutiny, after charges against the pair were sensationally dropped last month.

The British government has come under sustained criticism since the case collapsed, with critics saying the Starmer government is worried about upsetting China.

Here's what the case is about and why it has proved controversial.

What is the UK Chinese spying case?

Christopher Cash, a former director of the China Research Group think-tank, and Christopher Berry, who was a researcher for a senior MP, were arrested by British police in March 2023 on suspicion of spying for China.

The men were charged

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