Labour MP 'voluntarily suspends herself' amid China spy probe

Labour MP Joani Reid has stepped down from the party after her husband 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.

Taylor, a businessman and former Labour adviser, was one of three men arrested on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service on Wednesday.

The East Kilbride and Strathaven MP said she was not personally under investigation by police and had done nothing wrong, but said she would "not sit as a Labour MP" until the probe was concluded.

A Labour spokesperson said Reid was "co-operating fully" with the investigation.

It is understood she has been administratively 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".

"This week has been the worst of my life. The shock of recent days has been difficult for me and my family," Reid said in a statement.

"I am not under investigation by the police and no accusations have been against me. I have done nothing wrong.

"I am voluntarily suspending myself from the whip and will not sit as a Labour MP until internal investigations are concluded. I will welcome and co-operate with any questions and worries the party may have."

Taylor was arrested in London and has since been released on bail.

Matthew Aplin, 43, and Steve Jones, 68, have also been bailed after being arrested in Wales.

Counter-terrorism police have searched properties where the men were arrested as well as others in Cardiff, East Kilbride and London.

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