Charges against parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash and academic Christopher Berry, accused of spying for China, have been dropped by UK prosecutors.

The case's resolution will be addressed in a statement by Security Minister Dan Jarvis to Parliament, amid ongoing tensions and accusations of political manipulation.

Cash's lawyer described the prosecution as 'ill-judged' and emphasized his client's innocence, while Cash expressed relief and hope for rebuilding his life.

The allegations involved contact with a suspected Chinese intelligence agent, with Cash and Berry denying providing any information harmful to the UK.

Berry, who worked in China since 2015, was also accused, but no details of his defense or exoneration were provided.

The case was based on accusations that the men obtained and communicated information potentially useful to an enemy under the Official Secrets Act, which they denied.

Outside court, Cash expressed relief and hope for lessons to be learned, describing the past two-and-a-half years as a nightmare for him and his family.

Prosecutors announced the evidence no longer meets the standard for prosecution, leading to the case's discontinuation, with the trial set for October but now canceled.

Cash, who worked with senior Conservative figures and contributed to legislation on security risks from China, denied the allegations, with colleagues expressing disbelief that he could have been acting as an agent.

Both men had pleaded not guilty and were scheduled for trial in October at London's Central Criminal Court.

Cash worked closely with senior Conservative politicians on security and foreign affairs, and both men were accused of contact with each other and a suspected Chinese intelligence agent.

China dismissed the allegations as a political farce, condemning the charges as fabricated and malicious slander, and the UK government highlighted ongoing efforts to counter Chinese espionage.