Labour MP Steps Down Amid China Spy Probe

Labour MP Joani Reid has stepped down from the party after her husband, David Taylor, was arrested on suspicion of spying for China. In a statement, Reid said she was 'voluntarily suspending herself' from the Labour Party while an internal investigation was carried out.

The Labour Party described the allegations against Taylor as 'incredibly serious'. They added that Reid was 'co-operating fully' with the investigation. It is understood that both Reid and Taylor have been administratively suspended by the Labour Party. Reid will sit as an independent in the House of Commons while she has the whip suspended.

Reid said she had taken the decision to temporarily stand down to avoid becoming a 'distraction' for the government. She also said it was to protect her children from 'intrusion'. Counter-terrorism police have searched properties where the men were arrested as well as others in Cardiff, East Kilbride and London.