Spreading China spy fears in UK threaten big EV battery deal

Plus, when bad news meets good news in climate coverage

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BYD dominates the exhibit floor at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show. Photo: BYD.

Good day from London. The threat of spying Chinese electric vehicles that consumed the Biden Administration last month has spread to Westminster, where UK government officials are in a full panic this week over a new report that China has spied on the British electorate and politicians for years.

The report, which dominated news coverage on Monday, unfortunately comes just as Chinese battery maker EVE Energy was reportedly preparing plans to invest up to £1 billion ($1.26 billion) in a massive electric battery plant outside of Birmingham in Coventry.