Powell to face questions from MPs over collapse of Chinese spy trial

Jonathan Powell will go before parliament for the first time amid questions about his role in the collapse of a trial of two Britons accused of spying for China.

- Eleni Courea Political correspondent

The appearance of Keir Starmer's national security adviser will mark the end of a yearlong standoff because ministers had refused to make him available for scrutiny.

The prime minister's spokesperson insisted Powell took “accountability responsibilities very seriously”.

The national security strategy committee, chaired by the Labour MP Matt Western, is in discussions with government officials over the date of the private hearing.

The panel comprises select committee chairs such as Emily Thornberry, Sarah Champion and Liam Byrne and peers including the former cabinet secretary Mark Sedwill and the former David Cameron adviser Kate Fall.

Powell is likely to face questions about the abandonment of the Chinese spying case as well as the government's approach to national security. The Intelligence and Security Committee, which scrutinises the operation of the UK’s security agencies, expects to receive information about the case.