Husband of Labour MP released on bail after arrest on suspicion of spying for China

David Taylor, the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid, was arrested along with two other men on Wednesday on suspicion of spying for China. The three men, aged 39, 43, and 68, were arrested by counter-terrorism officers at addresses in London and Wales. They have been released on bail until May. The investigation relates to suspected foreign interference targeting UK democracy. Reid, who sits on the home affairs select committee, stated she had never suspected her husband of breaking any law. The arrests occurred as the security minister addressed Parliament about Chinese officials being reprimanded for interference.

British police arrested three men on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, on suspicion of spying for China, allegedly assisting a foreign intelligence service in violation of the National Security Act of 2023. The arrests occurred in London, Powys, Wales, and Pontyclun, Wales. While police did not release the names of those detained, media reports identified one as the husband of Joani Reid, a Labour Party lawmaker. Reid stated she was unaware of any illegal activities by her husband and has no involvement with China. The Chinese embassy in London condemned the arrests, accusing the UK of fabricating espionage cases and lodging a formal protest. The incident comes amid strained relations between the UK and China due to mutual spying accusations.

London police arrested three men on Wednesday on suspicion of spying for China. The suspects, aged 39, 68, and 43, were arrested in London and Wales for allegedly violating the National Security Act of 2023 by assisting a foreign intelligence service. Police have not released the names of the suspects as they have not yet been charged. These arrests are the latest in a series of incidents in the UK involving individuals accused of spying or political interference on behalf of China. In November, MI5 issued a warning to lawmakers about Chinese agents attempting to recruit them through LinkedIn and cover companies.

Three men, including the husband of a sitting Labour MP, Joani Reid, have been arrested in the UK on suspicion of spying for China. The arrests, made by counter-terrorism police in London and Wales, are part of a wider investigation into national security offences related to China. The men are suspected of assisting a foreign intelligence service. While police have not identified the men, they remain in custody. The matter was raised in Parliament, with concerns raised about the MP's access to sensitive information through her committee membership. The security minister confirmed the arrests related to foreign interference targeting UK democracy, promising severe consequences if evidence of Chinese interference is proven.