Partner of Labour MP among three arrested on suspicion of spying for China
Mar 10th 2026
British police say three men were arrested under the National Security Act on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service identified as China, and UK media report one detainee is the partner of Labour MP Joani Reid.
- Three men aged 39, 43 and 68 were arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service under section 3 of the National Security Act 2023.
- Police confirmed the country involved was China but did not name the suspects.
- UK media report the 43-year-old is David Taylor, partner of Labour MP Joani Reid, who says she has never suspected her husband of breaking the law.
- All three men remain in custody.
- Security minister Dan Jarvis declined to give further details in parliament and said the government will challenge any country that attempts to interfere with UK institutions.
- MI5 warned in November that China uses headhunters and covert operatives to target British lawmakers.
- China's embassy in London lodged a protest and denied the allegations, calling them fabricated.