The husband of Labour MP Joani Reid has been arrested alongside two other men in London and Wales on suspicion of spying for China and targeting UK democracy, according to the Metropolitan Police. David Taylor, 39, was arrested on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged foreign interference in the UK.

Background of the Arrests and Allegations

Taylor, who is married to Joani Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, is a lobbyist and director of Earthcott Limited, a PR and communications consultancy. He also serves as the director of policy and programmes at Asia House, a London-based think tank focused on strengthening economic ties between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

The Metropolitan Police stated that the three suspects, aged 39, 43, and 68, were arrested by counter-terrorism officers after being accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service. The arrests took place in London and Wales, with Taylor being detained in London, the 43-year-old in Pontyclun, South Wales, and the 68-year-old in Powys, mid-Wales.

According to the police, the men were arrested under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and searches have been conducted at the addresses where they were arrested, as well as three additional properties in London, East Kilbride, Scotland, and Cardiff. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that there is no imminent or direct threat to the public related to this case.

Reactions from Joani Reid and the Labour Party

Joani Reid responded to reports of her husband’s arrest, stating, ‘I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law.’ She emphasized that she is not involved in her husband’s business activities and that neither she nor her children should be treated as part of the investigation by media organizations.

Reid further clarified, ‘I have never been to China. I have never spoken on China or China-related matters in the Commons. I have never asked a question on China-related matters. As far as I am aware, I have never met any Chinese businesses, diplomats, or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests.’

She added, ‘I am a social democrat who believes in freedom of expression, free trade unions, and free elections. I am not any sort of admirer or apologist for the Chinese Communist Party’s dictatorship.’

Government Response and Security Concerns

Security Minister Dan Jarvis addressed the Commons, stating that there will be ‘severe consequences’ if it is proven that China attempted to interfere with UK sovereign affairs. He emphasized that the investigation ‘relates to China’ and ‘foreign interference targeting UK democracy.’

Jarvis said, ‘Let me be clear, if there is proven evidence of attempts by China to interfere with UK sovereign affairs, we will impose severe consequences and hold all actors involved to account. The Government is taking strong action to ensure the UK’s democratic institutions and processes are a hard target for this activity.’

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, noted that there has been a significant increase in national security casework in recent years. She added that the arrests are part of a proactive investigation and that the public should not fear an imminent threat from this case.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, they carried out a search of an address in East Kilbride on behalf of an investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.

The National Security Act, which provides intelligence agencies and law enforcement with modern legal tools to deter, detect, and disrupt state threats, was highlighted as a key component in the government’s response. Flanagan said the arrests demonstrate that the legislation is working effectively.

The case has raised concerns about foreign interference in UK affairs, particularly from China, and has prompted a stronger government stance against such activities. The Metropolitan Police has indicated that the investigation is ongoing and that more information may be released as it develops.