China spy row: what do the witness statements say and what is their significance?

Christopher Berry (left) and Christopher Cash have both denied any wrongdoing. Photograph: PA

On Wednesday night ministers released three witness statements by Matthew Collins, one of the UK’s deputy national security advisers, in connection with the failed prosecution of two British men, Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry, who were accused of spying for China.

The statements span 18 months and two different governments, and are at the heart of a row about who, if anyone, was to blame for the case collapsing. Both Cash and Berry have denied any wrongdoing. Below are some key passages and their potential significance.