Local members of the Labour Party have called for the reinstatement of Joani Reid, the MP for East Kilbride and Strathaven, following her suspension amid allegations involving her husband. The East Kilbride Constituency Labour Party voted unanimously on Thursday to urge the national party to lift Reid’s suspension.

Reid was elected to Parliament at the recent general election but was suspended from the party just one day after her victory. The suspension came after reports emerged that her husband, David Taylor, was detained on March 4 on suspicion of assisting a foreign intelligence service. Taylor is one of three individuals arrested in connection with allegations of spying for China.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations against her spouse, senior figures within the Labour Party have expressed reservations about Reid’s suspension, noting that she herself is not the subject of any formal investigation. Reid has denied any wrongdoing.

A representative of the East Kilbride Labour membership stated their support for Reid, emphasizing her effectiveness as an MP and advocating for the suspension to be lifted promptly. The local party’s unanimous vote reflects concern regarding the impact of the suspension on constituency representation.

The investigation into David Taylor and the related arrests remain ongoing, with authorities continuing to examine potential links to foreign intelligence activities. Meanwhile, calls from the East Kilbride Labour group highlight tensions within the party over balancing due process with political considerations in sensitive national security matters.