Defence lawyers would have used Tories’ statements to dismiss China spy case, attorney general says

Richard Hermer, the attorney general, said Tory ministers’ statements would have been brought up in cross-examination as evidence that China was not seen by the government as an enemy. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA

Defence lawyers would have used Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly’s statements about China to dismiss a case against two men charged with spying for Beijing, the attorney general has argued.

Richard Hermer told parliament “there would have been plenty of reference” by lawyers defending Christopher Cash and Christopher Berry’s to Conservative ministers’ policy positions had the trial gone ahead.