Prosecutors have dropped charges against two men who were accused of spying for China.
Former researcher for a senior British lawmaker, Christopher Cash, 30, and Christopher Berry, 33, denied accusations of providing information prejudicial to the interests of the state in breach of the Official Secrets Act.
The British nationals were accused of spying between December 2021 and February 2023.
Both men were due to go on trial next month, but prosecutor Tom Little told London's Old Bailey Court that they would offer no evidence against the pair.
He said: "We simply cannot continue to prosecute this case," without giving any reason for the decision.
The case was one of a number in the UK involving accusations of espionage on behalf of China.
The Government has expressed regret about the decision.
Mr Cash's lawyer, Harry Blaxland, said his client, who had worked at the China Research Group, was "entirely innocent and should never have been arrested, let alone charged".
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Mr Cash (pictured) said: 'The last two-and-a-half years have been a nightmare for me and my family'
|GETTY
Mr Cash said outside court: "While I am relieved that justice has been served today, the last two-and-a-half years have been a nightmare for me and my family."
He added that he hoped "lessons are learnt from this sorry episode".
The men were arrested in March 2023 and then charged in April 2024.
The Sunday Times reported that Mr Cash had been arrested while working as a researcher in Parliament for Conservative lawmaker Alicia Kearns, who then chaired the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Prosecutors said the men were friends and Mr Berry had worked in China in various positions since 2015.
It is believed they passed politically sensitive information to a Chinese intelligence agent.
The case was one of a number in Britain involving accusations of espionage on behalf of Beijing.
The Government has previously voiced its concerns with Chinese spies targeting British officials in sensitive positions in politics, defence and business as part of an increasingly sophisticated spying operation.
Christopher Berry has worked in China in various positions since 2015
|PA
The Home Office said: "It is disappointing they will not face trial given the seriousness of the allegations.
"We will continue to use the full range of tools and powers to guard against malign activity."
China has dismissed the spying allegations, saying they were fabricated and "malicious slander".
More From GB News