Husband of Labour MP Snared in China Spy Probe
The husband of Labour MP Joani Reid has been caught up in a high-stakes espionage investigation. David Taylor, 39, was among three men arrested in London and Wales on suspicion of spying for China and targeting UK democracy.
Three Arrested by Counter-Terror Police
David Taylor was detained alongside two other suspects, aged 43 and 68, in coordinated raids by counter-terrorism officers. The Metropolitan Police say the men are suspected of helping a foreign intelligence service.
Taylor, a lobbyist and director at PR firm Earthcott Limited, also holds a senior role at Asia House — a think tank focused on economic links between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
MP Joani Reid Vows Innocence
“I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law,” said Joani Reid, MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven.
“I am not part of my husband’s business activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation. Media must respect my children’s privacy.”
“I have never been to China, spoken on China matters in Parliament, or engaged with Chinese officials or businesses as an MP,” she added.
“I am a social democrat who believes in freedom, free trade unions and free elections. I am not any sort of admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist Party’s dictatorship.”
Government Vows Harsh Action Against Foreign Interference
Security minister Dan Jarvis warned MPs of “severe consequences” if China is proven to have interfered in UK sovereign affairs.
“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,” Jarvis said.
“The National Security Act gives intelligence and law enforcement the tools to deter and disrupt state threats. Today’s arrests show this legislation works.”
All three men remain in custody as police continue searches at their homes, while relations with Chinese officials face fresh scrutiny.
