Joani Reid: Labour MP suspended after husband arrested on suspicion of spying for China
A Labor MP said she was “voluntarily” distancing herself from the Labor Party “pending the outcome of internal investigations” after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.
David Taylor, who is married to East Kilbride and Strathaven MP Joani Reid, was detained by counter-terrorism officers along with two other men.
The arrests were made at addresses in London and Wales on Wednesday.
He said in a statement: “This week has been the worst week of my life. The shock of the last few days has been difficult for me and my family.
“I want to reiterate something very important: I am not being investigated by the police and there are no charges against me. I have done nothing wrong. I love my country. It has been, and continues to be, the privilege of my life to serve the people of East Kilbride and Strathaven as their MP and Labor MP.
“I understand that speculation and gossip flare up at a time like this. I do not want the circumstances in which I and my family find themselves to be a distraction to this government that I am proud of and believe in. I also do not want my children, who have nothing to answer to and who deserve privacy and compassion, to be subjected to interference.
“Following discussions with the Chief Whip, I am voluntarily removing myself from that role this evening and will not sit as a Labor MP until internal investigations are concluded. I will welcome and co-operate with any questions and concerns the party has.”
“My team and I will continue to serve my constituents as normal as their MPs,” he said.
Scottish Labor leader Anas Sarwar confirmed the party was investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Following the arrest, Mrs Reid released a statement saying she had “seen nothing that would make me suspect my husband had broken any laws”.
The Scottish Labor MP also clarified her position, adding: “I am not part of my husband’s business activities.”
Addressing reporters in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, Mr Sarwar said the situation was “deeply worrying” and his intention was to “get to the bottom of these issues”.
A Labor Party spokesman said: “These are incredibly serious allegations. We cannot comment further while the police investigation is ongoing.”
The Metropolitan Police said Taylor, 39, along with two other men, aged 43 and 68, were arrested by counter-terrorism officers at addresses in London and Wales on Wednesday and were released on bail until May.
He was listed as a “lobbyist” for Ms Reid’s registered interests.
