'China spy fiasco' and 'Ban' on Israeli fans a 'national disgrace'

Several newspapers lead on the head of MI5 expressing frustration about the collapse of the Chinese spying case. The Guardian says the head of the Crown Prosecution Service is now under pressure to explain why the charges were dropped, as MPs launch a string of inquiries. The Financial Times reports that Beijing has "hit out" at what it regards as "smears", in witness statements released by the government. According to the Times, there are concerns the row could derail a visit to China by Sir Keir Starmer next year, aimed at resetting economic relations. The Sun, in its leader column, says voters deserve total transparency on issues of national security, and it questions why the prime minister didn't do more to stop the case collapsing.

The Daily Mail and the Telegraph carry a picture of Prince Andrew shaking hands with a senior Beijing official who is described by both papers as being at the centre of the spy case. The two men met three times in 2018 and 2019, according to the Telegraph, which the paper calls a 'further embarrassment' for the Duke of York. There's no comment from the Duke.

The back page of the Times reports that the decision to ban away fans from Maccabi Tel Aviv's match at Villa Park next month was made in response to several threats that raised fears of an anti-semitic attack. The paper notes that about 120 supporters of the Israeli club attended a match in Greece last month with heavy police protection, amid protests outside the ground. The Daily Express leads on the response of the Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who calls the decision "a national disgrace".

Some of the papers report on a judge scolding an immigration barrister, for citing fictitious cases after using AI for legal research. The Guardian highlights the judge's comment that the paperwork made reference to 12 authorities, none of which exist. The Daily Mirror identifies another user of AI - Boris Johnson - reporting that the former prime minister is using Chat GPT to help write his books. Johnson is quoted saying he likes it when the chatbot calls him clever and brilliant.

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