UK avoided investigating Russian interference in Brexit, report finds

The Intelligence and Security Committee recommended that a full intelligence inquiry take place into Russian meddling in British politics

Russian influence in the UK is ‘the new normal’, with wealthy Russians integrated into the business and social scene in ‘Londongrad’

Reading Time:4 minutes

A woman enters the Russian consulate in London on July 21, after British MPs released a long-delayed report on Russian interference in British politics. Photo: AFP

Published: 8:04pm, 21 Jul 2020Updated: 8:07pm, 21 Jul 2020

The British government failed to investigate whether Russia interfered in the Brexit referendum and a full intelligence inquiry must now take place, a panel of lawmakers said.

Members of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee accused ministers of deliberately avoiding the question because they did not want to know whether Russia had tried to interfere in the European Union referendum.

Ministers refused to authorise a retrospective investigation into the 2016 vote on European Union membership.

The recommendation for a full-scale review is a key point in a long-delayed report on Russian involvement in British politics by the watchdog which oversees the work of the UK intelligence agencies.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson departs 10 Downing Street on July 21 after his first face-to-face cabinet meeting in four months. Photo: EPA-EFE

It is a politically explosive subject and one that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be reluctant to revisit. The aftermath of the Brexit vote split the country, leading to years of turmoil and uncertainty for business and bringing down two prime ministers.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x