Nairobi, Kenya – The United Kingdom's national security adviser, Jonathan Powell, was not involved in the decision to drop the prosecution against two British men accused of spying for China, a senior cabinet minister has stated. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson clarified on Sunday, October 12, 2025, that Powell had no connection to discussions regarding the "substance or the evidence" of the case, and that Prime Minister Keir Starmer retains full confidence in him.

This assertion comes amid intense scrutiny following the sudden abandonment of the prosecution in September, which reportedly occurred because the UK government was unwilling to publicly declare China a threat to national security. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that the evidential standard for a successful prosecution under the Official Secrets Act was no longer met.

Historical and Political Context

The case involved Christopher Cash, a parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, a China-based researcher, both of whom denied the accusations of providing information to China's politburo. Reports suggested that the cases were dropped after Powell indicated that China would not be labelled an "enemy" in any trial, a designation deemed necessary for a successful prosecution under the Official Secrets Act.

The UK's updated national security strategy, published in June, categorises China as a "geostrategic challenge" rather than an enemy, reflecting a softened stance. This shift has drawn criticism, with Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel calling Phillipson's statement "very bold" and demanding clarity from the Attorney General, Lord Hermer, before Parliament.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The legal framework surrounding espionage cases, particularly those involving national security, is complex. In Kenya, the Official Secrets Act makes it a crime to obtain or communicate information useful to a foreign power. This legislation underscores the serious implications of espionage for national sovereignty and security. Kenya has historically faced various security challenges, including cyber threats and organised crime, necessitating robust counter-terrorism strategies and intelligence sharing.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Analysts in Kenya suggest that developments in international espionage cases could influence public debate and policy execution within the country. They advocate for greater clarity on timelines, costs, and safeguards related to national security matters. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) in Kenya plays a crucial role in safeguarding national security, operating under a culture of silence due to stringent anti-disclosure laws.

Evidence and Data

• Case Abandonment: The prosecution against two British men accused of spying for China was dropped in September 2025.
• Official Stance: The UK's national security strategy, updated in June 2025, refers to China as a "geostrategic challenge."
• Kenyan Cyber Threats: Chinese state-linked hacking groups reportedly targeted Kenyan government institutions, including the Office of the President, Ministry of Finance, and National Intelligence Service, between late 2019 and at least 2022. These attacks were, in part, aimed at gathering information on Kenya's debt to Beijing.

Risks and Implications

The UK's handling of the China spy case highlights the delicate balance between international relations and national security. For Kenya, which has significant economic ties with China, including substantial loans for infrastructure projects, such developments are particularly pertinent. Concerns about cyber-espionage targeting Kenyan government institutions by Chinese state-linked groups have been reported, with some attacks allegedly aimed at gleaning information on Kenya's debt repayment strategies.

Kenya's foreign policy, often balancing relations with major global powers, could be influenced by how such sensitive international incidents are managed. The country's vulnerability to cyber threats and its reliance on foreign investment underscore the need for a clear and robust national security framework.

Unknowns and Controversies

Despite the UK minister's assurances, questions persist regarding the extent of influence exerted by various government officials in the decision to drop the spy case. Shadow Foreign Secretary Dame Priti Patel has called for a parliamentary statement to address these "unanswered questions." Similarly, in Kenya, concerns about government surveillance and its impact on individual privacy remain a contentious issue, with reports of illegal data collection and the use of spyware.

Timeline and Next Steps

Jonathan Powell is expected to appear before a private hearing of the joint committee on the national security strategy in the coming weeks to address questions about his role. In Kenya, the ongoing need to enhance national security frameworks and address cyber threats remains a critical focus, especially given the country's high social media engagement and potential for information disorder.

What to Watch

The parliamentary scrutiny of Jonathan Powell's role in the UK will be closely watched for further revelations regarding the dropped spy case and the government's stance on China. In Kenya, the government's efforts to balance national security with privacy rights, particularly in the context of increasing digital threats and foreign influence, will remain a key area of public interest and policy development.