Labour MP Joani Reid Received Donation from Husband's Firm Before His Arrest
Joani Reid, the Labour MP who resigned the whip last week following her husband's arrest on suspicion of spying for China, received a donation from his company the month prior, new details reveal. Reid, representing East Kilbride and Strathaven, declared a £2,400 donation in February for media training from Earthcott Ltd, the lobbying firm operated by her husband, David Taylor.
MP Denies Involvement in Husband's Business Activities
In a statement released after the arrest, Reid asserted she had no involvement in her husband's business dealings. She emphasized that she had never discussed Chinese matters, visited China, or seen any evidence suggesting her husband broke the law. "I am not part of my husband's business activities," she stated, adding that the recent events have been the worst of her life and a shock to her family.
A source close to Reid clarified that Earthcott paid for the media training, noting that receiving a donation from a business does not equate to involvement in its operations. This aligns with her parliamentary declaration, which she made in compliance with transparency rules.
Arrests and Bail in National Security Investigation
Taylor, 39, was arrested by anti-terror police under the National Security Act, along with two other men: Matthew Aplin, 43, and Steve Jones, 68. All three have been released on bail pending further investigation. Aplin previously served as an adviser to Labour in Wales, while Jones advised former Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones and ex-Labour chief whip Hilary Armstrong.
Taylor's background includes roles as a special adviser to Labour peer Peter Hain during his tenure as secretary of state for Wales, before founding Earthcott Ltd. The investigation has also extended to other figures, with police searching the home of James Robinson, a former aide to ex-Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, who shares the residence with his wife, former Labour MP Gloria De Piero.
Reid Steps Aside Pending Labour Internal Inquiry
Reid announced she would relinquish the Labour whip to allow for an internal party investigation, stressing that she is not under police investigation and has done nothing wrong. "I want to reiterate something very important: I am not under investigation by the police and no accusations have been made against me," she said in her statement.
Robinson, founder of Woburn Partners and a former Guardian media correspondent, confirmed the search but clarified he has not been detained, arrested, or questioned in connection with the case. The unfolding situation highlights ongoing scrutiny into potential espionage activities linked to China, with political and security implications.
