“The head of MI5 has said he is “frustrated” by the collapse of the China spy case as Beijing warned that the fallout could undermine its relationship with the UK. Sir Ken McCallum said China presented a national security threat to the UK “every day” and disclosed that the Security Service had disrupted a new espionage threat from Beijing in the past week. China dismissed the spying allegations as “pure fabrication and malicious slander” and called on the government to “stop undermining China-UK relations”. The diplomatic fallout from the case highlights the growing tensions between national security concerns over China and the government’s desire to build “positive” economic relations. On Thursday, ministers announced that they were again delaying a decision on approving a new Chinese super-embassy in London, which has been a key demand of Beijing, until December. There are fears that it could become a base for further espionage. There are also mounting concerns that the row could derail a planned visit by Sir Keir Starmer to China next year to reset economic relations between the two countries. Ministers are now facing two new parliamentary inquiries into the collapsed spying trial following growing anger among MPs about how it was handled. The parliamentary intelligence and security committee, which has statutory powers to compel witnesses to give evidence, will assess the intelligence used in the case. It is expected to look into claims that the government’s first witness statement, which was supplied when the Tories were in power, was watered down by subsequent statements in February and August. Both statements included references to Labour’s desire to pursue a “positive” economic relationship with China.” – The Times
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“Football fans supporting Maccabi Tel Aviv have been banned from attending an Aston Villa match, a decision that has been branded a “national disgrace” by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. Slamming the decision, taken by the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and UEFA on advice from the West Midlands Police, Ms Badenoch said: “This is a national disgrace. How have things come to this? Keir Starmer pledged that Jews are welcome and safe in Britain. That he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community and will use the full force of his Government to prove it. Will he back those words with action and guarantee that Jewish fans can walk into any football stadium in this country? If not, it sends a horrendous and shameful message: there are parts of Britain where Jews simply cannot go.” The Prime Minister also slammed the decision. He said: “This is the wrong decision. We will not tolerate antisemitism on our streets. The role of the police is to ensure all football fans can enjoy the game without fear of violence or intimidation.” Earlier today, the football club said it had “been informed that no away fans may attend the UEFA Europa League match with Maccabi Tel Aviv” after a directive from both the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) and UEFA. The SAG was advised on safety concerns held by the West Midlands Police.” – Daily Express
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“Ministers are ‘running out of road’ and plotting a taxi tax grab, the Tories have warned.Labour has refused to rule out slapping VAT on private hire fares, sparking speculation the Chancellor will clobber cabbies at the Budget. The Tories warned such a move would hit people in rural areas and those with disabilities hardest, also harming the night-time economy. Industry experts expect such a tax to raise £750million a year – by adding £2 to £3 to the cost of a typical £12 journey. Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden asked the Treasury what assessment had been made of applying 20 per cent VAT to private hire vehicle journeys on vulnerable users.” – Daily Mail
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> Today: Mims Davies: Labour’s mismanagement of the economy means it’s no longer working for too many women
> Yesterday: Raising taxes won’t correct Britain’s long-term spending trajectory – but do the Tories have a better answer?