Labour MP Joani Reid expressed her surprise and disbelief following her husband’s involvement in a Chinese spy probe, stating she has never suspected him of breaking the law. Her partner, David Taylor, was among three men apprehended by the Met Police in a recent operation. Reid, who represents East Kilbride and Strathaven, clarified that she does not support the Chinese Communist party’s regime.
Addressing the media, Reid emphasized, “I have never witnessed any behavior from my husband that would suggest unlawful activity.” The Met Police disclosed that the arrests of the three suspects, aged 39, 43, and 68, were conducted by counter-terrorism units in London and Wales. Search operations were carried out at three properties in London, East Kilbride, and Cardiff.
Reid further stated, “I am not involved in my husband’s business dealings, and neither myself nor my children have any connection to this investigation. We deserve privacy and should not be subjected to media scrutiny.” She clarified her stance on China, mentioning her lack of engagement with Chinese entities during her tenure as an MP.
The involvement of another suspect, the partner of a former Labour MP, was reported by The Guardian. Security Minister Dan Jarvis warned of severe repercussions if China was found to be meddling in the UK’s sovereignty. Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle confirmed that the MP’s partner did not possess clearance to access the Parliamentary estate.
Commander Helen Flanagan of counter-terrorism policing London assured the public that while the arrests were significant, there was no immediate threat to public safety. The investigation remains ongoing, with the support of the community. Police Scotland confirmed their involvement in a search at an East Kilbride address as part of the wider inquiry led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.