Labour MP breaks silence after husband's arrest in China spy probe

Joani Reid has said she had no reason to believe her husband, David Taylor, had ever broken the law after his arrest

A Labour MP has said she has never had any reason to suspect her husband had broken the law after his arrest in a Chinese spy probe.

Joani Reid's partner David Taylor is one of three men arrested in a Met Police swoop this morning. Ms Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, told the Press Association: "I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law".

The Met Police said the suspects - aged 39, 43 and 68 - were arrested by counter-terrorism officers in London and Wales. Three properties, in London, East Kilbride and Cardiff were searched by officers.

Ms Reid continued: "I am not part of my husband's business activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation, and we should not be treated by media organisations as though we are. Above all I expect media organisations to respect my children's privacy."

She went on: "I have never been to China. I have never spoken on China or China related matters in the Commons. I have never asked a question on China-related matters.

"As far as I am aware I have never met any Chinese businesses whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests.

"I am a social democrat who believes in freedom of expression, free trade unions and free elections. I am not any sort of admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist party's dictatorship."

Earlier Security Minister Dan Jarvis said there would be "severe consequences" if it was proven China attempted to interfere in the UK's sovereign affairs.

He told MPs: "Let me be clear, if there is proven evidence of attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, we will impose severe consequences and hold all actors involved to account."

This morning Commander Helen Flanagan, head of counter terrorism policing London, said: “Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this. Our investigation continues, and we thank the public for their ongoing support.”

This is a Breaking News story. You’ll be more likely to see our stories when any big news breaks in future by simply by clicking this link . You can also join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .