Richard Saunders, Phnom Penh
he husband of Labour MP Joani Reid has been detained as part of a national security investigation into alleged spying for China.
David Taylor, 39, was arrested in London on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service, an offence under the National Security Act 2023. He remains in custody alongside two other men: a 68‑year‑old from Powys, Wales, and a 43‑year‑old from Pontyclun, Wales.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests were linked to China and carried out with support from Counter Terrorism Policing units in Wales and Scotland.
In a statement, Ms Reid, who represents East Kilbride and Strathaven, said she had “never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law.” She stressed that she and her children were not involved in her husband’s business activities and urged media organisations to respect her family’s privacy.
The MP added that she has “never been to China” and has not spoken, asked questions, or participated in Commons debates on China‑related matters.
In a separate case, two men have been detained in the UK on allegations of acting on behalf of China. The suspects—a retired Hong Kong police officer and a UK Border Force official, both British passport holders—are accused of conducting “shadow policing” in Britain for China, according to court proceedings.
Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 65, and Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 38, are alleged to have monitored Hong Kong pro-democracy activists seeking asylum in the UK. They face charges under the National Security Act.
Yuen previously served in the Hong Kong police and was employed at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. Wai, meanwhile, worked for the UK Border Force, volunteered as a Special Constable with the City of London Police, and had earlier served with the Metropolitan Police.
