Labour MP Joani Reid has said she has “voluntarily” suspended herself from the party whip “until internal investigations are concluded”, after her husband, David Taylor, was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
Taylor and two other men were arrested by counter-terrorism officers at addresses in London and Wales on Wednesday. Taylor is accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service.
The three men were released on bail yesterday.
In the statement, Reid said: ” This week has been the worst of my life. The shock of recent days has been difficult for me and my family.
“I want to reiterate something very important: I am not under investigation by the police and no accusations have been against me. I have done nothing wrong. I love my country. To serve the people of East Kilbride and Strathaven as their MP and the Labour Party has been – and continues to be – the privilege of my life.
“I understand that speculation and gossip is fevered at a time like this. I do not want the circumstances that I and my family find ourselves in to be a distraction for this government, of which I am proud and in whom I believe. I also do not want my children – who have nothing to answer for and who deserve privacy and compassion – to find themselves subject to intrusion.
“Following discussions with the Chief Whip, I am voluntarily suspending myself from the whip this evening and will not sit as a Labour MP until internal investigations are concluded. I will welcome and cooperate with any questions and worries the party may have.
“I, and my team, will continue to serve my constituents in the normal way as their Member of Parliament.”
Yesterday Parliamentary staff were warned the risks from foreign state interference “are not receding” by the Commons Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Hoyle told staff in an email they are a “critical part of our defence” against espionage.
In his message, Hoyle wrote: “Yesterday, the Metropolitan Police Service arrested three individuals as part of an investigation into suspected National Security Act (2023) offences.
“The security minister, in his statement to the House yesterday afternoon, confirmed that these arrests relate to foreign interference activity targeting UK democracy.”
He reminded MPs’ staff to review guidance issued last autumn on how to identify and report foreign state activity targeting Parliament.
Hence then, the article about mp voluntarily suspends herself over partner s china spying arrest was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( MP ‘voluntarily’ suspends herself over partner’s China spying arrest )
Also on site :