The former head of MI5 has backed calls for a parliamentary report into alleged Russian interference in the UK democratic process to be published before the general election.
Downing Street has been accused of holding back the report by the Intelligence and Security Committee, which oversees the work of MI5, MI6 and GCHQ and sees highly sensitive intelligence material as a result.
Lord Evans of Weardale, who was MI5 director general until 2013, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “In principle, I think it should be released.”
He added: “If the Government have a reason why this should not be published before the election, then I think they should make it very clear what that reason is.”
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman yesterday indicated the necessary clearance process has yet to be completed.
Dominic Grieve, chairman of the ISC, has said the process is normally completed within 10 working days, while government sources claimed it takes six weeks.
