A Tory MP has called for parliament to be abolished over the government’s handling of the China spy row .

Tom Tugendhat , a former security minister, said the UK “clearly, this isn’t a democracy any more” because it is being run by “bureaucrats” rather than politicians.

He hit out after the government defended its actions following the collapse of a trial involving two British men accused of spying for China.

Critics have accused the government of deliberately sabotaging the case to avoid upsetting China as ministers try to improve relations with Beijing.

But Keir Starmer has insisted the decision to drop the case was taken independently by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

The prime minister took the unprecedented move on Wednesday of publishing witness statements provided

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