Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has insisted a high-profile government aide was not involved in a decision not to halt legal proceedings against two men accused of spying for China.
The government said the CPS had dropped the case against Christopher Cash, 30, a former parliamentary researcher, and teacher Christopher Berry, 33, because the previous government had not designated China a threat to national security.
However, there had been speculation that Jonathan Powell, the national security adviser, was involved in the decision.
Ms Phillipson said she "can give that assurance" that the case was not withdrawn because of the influence of Mr Powell.
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