LABOUR MP Joani Reid has resigned as an internal investigation takes place after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
The MP’s husband is understood to be among the three men held by Counter Terror police on
David Taylor is understood to be among the three men held by Counter Terror policeCredit: Linkedin
Reid confirmed her husband was among those arrestedCredit: Facebook
Steve Jones, 68, and dad-of-three Matthew Aplin, 43, were also seized by cops on Wednesday.
They were all released on bail a day later.
In a statement shared on X this evening, Joani Reid wrote: “This week has been the worst of my life. The shock of recent days has been difficult for me and my family. I want to reiterate something very important: I am not under investigation by the police and no accusations have been against me. I have done nothing wrong.
“I love my country. To serve the people of East Kilbride and Strathaven as their MP and the Labour Party has been – and continues to be – the privilege of my life.
“I understand that speculation and gossip is fevered at a time like this. I do not want the circumstances that I and my family find ourselves in to be a distraction for this government, of which I am proud and in whom I believe.
“I also do not want my children – who have nothing to answer for and who deserve privacy and compassion – to find themselves subject to intrusion.
“Following discussions with the Chief Whip, I am voluntarily suspending myself from the whip this evening and will not sit as a Labour MP until internal investigations are concluded. I will welcome and cooperate with any questions and worries the party may have.
“I, and my team, will continue to serve my constituents in the normal way as their Member of Parliament.”
This comes after the MP earlier confirmed that her husband David was one of the men cuffed during raids.
Detectives were seen carrying out searches at the properties where the three men were arrested along with three addresses in London, East Kilbride and .
East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Reid said: “I have never seen anything to make me suspect my husband has broken any law” and added: “I have never been to .”
The Labour MP went on to say: “I am not part of my husband’s activities and neither I nor my children are part of this investigation.
“I have never been to . 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 whilst I have been an MP, any Chinese diplomats or government employees, nor raised any concern with ministers or anyone else on behalf of, even coincidentally, Chinese interests.
“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.”
British officials have made formal representations to their Chinese counterparts in both London and Beijing, MPs were told.
The bombshell arrests have prompted calls for a review of the decision to allow China’s new super-embassy in London – which many suggested could
Reid has served as the Member of Parliament for East Kilbride and Strathaven since July 2024.
Her husband is the head of programs at a think tank that develops engagement between Asia and Europe, and he previously worked for energy companies as a lobbyist.
He also worked as a government special adviser in the Wales Office under the previous New Labour government, it is understood.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Policing London, said: “We have seen a significant increase in our casework relating to national security in recent years and we continue to work extremely closely with our partners to help keep the country safe and take action to disrupt malign activity where we suspect it.
“Today’s arrests are part of a proactive investigation and while these are serious matters, we do not believe there to be any imminent or direct threat to the public relating to this.
“Our investigation continues and we thank the public for their ongoing support.”
A spokesperson said: “On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, we carried out a search of an address in East Kilbride on behalf of an investigation being led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.”
Labour MP Joani Reid has resigned while an internal investigation takes placeCredit: Alamy
Reid has served as the Member of Parliament for East Kilbride and Strathaven since July 2024Credit: Facebook
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