The commander of one of Britain's four Vanguard-class nuclear submarines, which carry Trident ballistic missiles, has been suspended for an affair with Labour MP Joanie Reid. Her husband was detained on suspicion of working for Chinese intelligence. The Royal Navy conducted an internal investigation to assess the risk of possible blackmail against the officer but found no security violations. Nevertheless, the commander resigned for personal reasons while remaining in the military.

The scandal erupted after Scotland Yard arrested three men in March for violating the National Security Act, including the MP's husband. Following this, the British Deputy Home Secretary threatened China with "serious consequences," and the Chinese Embassy in London expressed a strong protest, calling for an end to anti-Chinese manipulation.