The Times: US threatens UK with termination of intelligence sharing

LONDON, Oct. 12 (YPA) -The British newspaper The Times has reported that the United States has threatened to suspend intelligence sharing with the United Kingdom in connection with the case of British nationals accused of spying for China.

According to a source within the US administration cited by the newspaper, the White House warned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that failure to prosecute the alleged spies “could undermine the special relationship” between Washington and London and may lead to the suspension of sensitive security information exchanges.

The British judiciary dropped espionage charges last September against Christopher Cash and Christopher Perry, who were accused in 2023, citing insufficient evidence to convict.

The Prime Minister’s Office has denied any involvement by Starmer or government officials in the decision to drop the charges.

This development comes amid a period of intensified diplomatic engagement between the UK and China, including visits by British officials to Beijing and preparations for Prime Minister Starmer’s planned visit to China in early 2026.

@E.Y.M