Breaking News: Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism officers executed the arrest of three men on March 4, 2026, under the National Security Act 2023.
The three suspects, aged 39, 43, and 68, were detained in London and Wales on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The investigation focuses on alleged activities linked to Chinese state-directed interference.
One suspect is identified as David Taylor, the husband of Labour MP Joani Reid. According to his LinkedIn profile, Taylor is the director of policy and programmes at the Asia House think tank.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis defined the operation as a response to foreign interference targeting UK democracy. Jarvis cited the necessity of protecting sovereign affairs from covert state-linked actors seeking to manipulate UK policymaking processes and gather intelligence on internal government functions.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, categorised the arrests as a proactive measure. Flanagan reported a statistical increase in national security casework but clarified that no direct threat to public safety is currently identified. Searches were conducted at a number of residential addresses to secure evidence related to the investigation.
Joani Reid released a formal statement confirming she had no involvement in or knowledge of the suspected activities.
She said: “I am not part of my husband’s business activities. 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.”
The Speaker of the House confirmed to the Commons that the individual involved did not hold unfettered access to the parliamentary estate.
All three suspects remain in police custody for further interrogation. This enforcement action aligns with recent security assessments regarding efforts by foreign agents to cultivate influence within Westminster.
UPDATE: According to Guido Fawkes, https://order-order.com/2026/03/04/partners-of-sitting-former-labour-mps-arrested-on-suspicion-of-spying-for-china/ a second man has been named as Matthew Aplin, a political lobbyist with connections to Welsh Labour.