Keir Starmer arrives at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Keir Starmer is under pressure to explain the government’s role in the collapse of a case against two British men accused of spying for China.

Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry found out last month that they would no longer face trial under the Official Secrets Act.

Critics have accused the government of trying to obstruct the case to avoid upsetting China – something vehemently denied by No.10.

The row has now led to an extraordinary war of words between the prime minister and Stephen Parkinson, one of his successors as Director of Public Prosecutions.

Here’s what you need to know.

How did it all start?

Cash and Berry were charged with collecting and communicating information which could be “useful to an enemy” between December 2021 and February 2023. They denied all the accusations.

The pair had been due to stand trial at the Old Bailey this month, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) unexpectedly announced last week that the case would not be proceeding.

Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Cash said he was “relieved that justice has been served”.

What was the reaction?

Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle led the condemnation of the decision, telling MPs: “I believe this leaves the door open to foreign actors trying to spy on the House.

“This door must be closed hard. We must pursue all avenues to ensure the protection of members and people that work within the House of Commons. It will not be........

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