SNP call for details of investigation into MP readmitted to Labour party

The SNP has called for details of an investigation into Joani Reid “in the interests of national security”, as she is readmitted to the Labour party.The Labour MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven was suspended from the party while an internal investigation took place after her husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China.In March, she said she had “voluntarily” suspended herself from the Labour whip “until internal investigations are concluded”.Her husband David Taylor was arrested along with two other men. All three have been released on police bail, which in May was extended until August.He was listed as a “lobbyist” on Ms Reid’s registered interests.In April, further concerns were raised as reports emerged that Ms Reid was alleged to have been involved in inappropriate behaviour with two naval officers.The Press Association understands the Ministry of Defence has no security concerns over the alleged incidents.It is understood one officer – who commanded a nuclear-armed submarine at the Faslane naval base on the Clyde – was investigated over the claims, but was not found to have broken any rules.The officer is no longer in charge of the submarine, but it is understood this is due to unrelated reasons and he remains in the Navy.SNP MP Kirsty Blackman called for the findings of the investigation to be made public to offer “reassurance” to the public over the allegations.She said: “This was a scandal of unparalleled proportions and it is simply not good enough for Joani Reid to be readmitted to the Labour Party with no reassurance given to the public on the national security of these islands.SNP MP Kirsty Blackman is calling for ‘reassurance’ for the public on the investigation (Michal Wachucik/PA)PA Archive“This is a Labour MP – married to a man under investigation for Chinese spying – that caused the resignation of a captain of one of the UK’s four nuclear-armed submarines while her behaviour with a second senior naval officer prompted a report to parliamentary authorities amid fears that intelligence relating to the UK’s nuclear deterrent could end up in enemy hands.Read More“We need to know exactly what the findings of the investigation were, including into the financial arrangements and the bizarre transgressions conducted at Faslane nuclear base.“In the interests of national security, these answers cannot wait – Andy Burnham promised a new kind of politics, but for too long the Labour Party has protected one of their own with the public kept in the dark.”In a statement on social media, Ms Reid said: “I have never been part of a police investigation, as a suspect or as a witness, and I am pleased that this has now been recognised.”Labour has been approached for comment.