Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Politics
Rebecca Speare-Cole

Boris Johnson gives green light for Russia report publication over alleged meddling

Boris Johnson came under pressure during the election to publish the Russia interference report (Picture: PA)

Boris Johnson has signed off on a report into alleged Russian interference in British politics.

The Commons Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) report can now be published as soon as the committee re-forms after the return of Parliament.

It follows fierce criticism over the Government's refusal to publish it ahead of the general election.

Mr Johnson's official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "In line with his responsibilities under the Justice and Security Act 2013, the Prime Minister carefully considered the report of the former committee.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson waving on the steps of 10 Downing Street (PA)

"He is content publication would not prejudice the functions of those bodies that safeguard our national security.

"Publication will be a matter for the new ISC in due course."

http://players.brightcove.net/1348423965/default_default/index.html?videoId=6113921612001

The ISC oversees the work of the agencies, MI5, MI6 and GCHQ.

The committee has access to highly sensitive intelligence material in the course of its work.

Its reports are submitted to the Government before publication to ensure no sensitive information is inadvertently made public.

Last month, Cabinet minister Rishi Sunak sought to defend the PM's decision not to publish the analysis before the December 12 general election.

He argued that more time was needed for the report to go through the correct Whitehall process.

However, his explanation was shot down by Dominic Grieve, who chaired the ISC before Parliament was dissolved for the election.

Dominic Grieve stressed that it was vital the report was published before the election (Getty Images)

The former attorney general said Mr Sunak’s explanation was “completely inaccurate, misleading and wrong” and stressed the report had already been cleared by the intelligence agencies.

Mr Grieve had stressed that it was vital the report was published before the December general election as it contained information which was "germane" to voters.

Hillary Clinton also intervened in the row, criticising the failure to publish it as “inexplicable and shameful”.

The ISC document is a wide-ranging report into the intelligence and security threat that Russia allegedly poses to the UK.

It includes a section on possible Russian influence in UK elections and the risk of subversion of democracy and democratic processes.

http://players.brightcove.net/1348423965/default_default/index.html?videoId=6102831595001

It is understood the report started going through the Whitehall process ahead of publication in late March and was cleared by the intelligence and security agencies and the National Security Secretariat in early to mid-October.

During the general election campaign, documents that Jeremy Corbyn unveiled to attack the Tories over the NHS came under scrutiny amid suggestions by Reddit that they were leaked as part of a Russian disinformation campaign.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.