Report was sent to Downing Street in October last year, in time for publication before the general electionFull story: Russia report reveals UK government failed to investigate Kremlin interferenceGlobal coronavirus updates – live 2.42pm BST At the Downing Street lobby briefing the prime minister’s spokesman rejected the claim from the Labour MP and ISC member Kevan Jones that No 10 had not told the truth about the reasons for the delay in the publication of today’s report. (See 10.35am.) These are from HuffPost’s Paul Waugh.NEW. Asked if the PM felt that the 2016 Brexit referendum result was ‘fair’, his spokesman said: “Yes absolutely. We have seen no evidence of successful interference in the EU referendum.”The spokesman also rejected claims by ISC member Kevan Jones that No.10’s justifications for delays to be publication were “not true”. Jones said the government’s response should have been taken 10 days not nine months.“[In] the memorandum of understanding with the Committee…there is no set timetable for a response, nor is it set in legislation. The prime minister took the appropriate time to consider publication of a report which by definition relates to matters of national security.”Asked if the govt had actually looked to find any evidence, PM’s spokesman replied: “Our intelligence and security agencies produce regular assessments of the threats posed by hostile states including potential interference in past or current UK democratic processes…” https://t.co/4Ttg0b7e8P”We haven’t seen any evidence of successful interference in the EU referendum.”Number 10 spox: “We haven’t seen any evidence of successful interference in EU referendum.”Journalist: “Nor have you looked for any. The whole point is nobody has looked. The question is why haven’t you looked, then you can answer that question in a more convincing manner.” 2.33pm BST This is what Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, posted on Twitter after his meeting with Boris Johnson at No 10.Constructive visit with @BorisJohnson today. Our two countries’ long-standing, strong bilateral relationship has laid the foundation for today’s candid discussion on issues ranging from 5G telecommunication to our negotiations for a U.S.-UK free trade agreement. pic.twitter.com/9j1o3bK8e6The prime minister reiterated the need for justice to be done for Harry Dunn and his family. He said there was a strong feeling among the people of the UK that justice must be delivered. Continue reading…
Via: Government rejects ISC's call for inquiry into Russian interference in Brexit referendum – live news
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