The director of public prosecutions faces intensifying scrutiny after charges against two men accused of spying for China were dropped. MPs have given Stephen Parkinson until Friday next week to explain why the CPS ended the case against parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and academic Christopher Berry, who deny the allegations. Parkinson says the government failed to prove China was a national security threat, even as published witness statements detail “large scale espionage.” He reportedly told senior MPs the evidence was “5%” short, as committees launch inquiries and a public row with ministers deepens.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.