Cabinet Office Probes Labour Thinktank Report Over False Journalist Claims
The Cabinet Office has initiated an examination into the commissioning of a report that contained false allegations about journalists investigating Labour Together, a thinktank closely linked to Keir Starmer. Liz Kendall, the science and technology secretary, confirmed that officials will be 'establishing the facts' regarding the matter, though she indicated this would not constitute a formal inquiry as demanded by the Conservatives and some Labour MPs.
Background of the Controversial Report
According to sources and documents reviewed by the Guardian, the research was funded and subsequently reviewed by Josh Simons, who served as director of Labour Together and is now a Labour MP and Cabinet Office minister. The report, compiled by PR consultancy Apco Worldwide, delved into the 'sourcing, funding and origins' of a November 2023 Sunday Times article about Labour Together. It made baseless claims about journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke, including allegations tied to a suspected Kremlin hack and inappropriate references to Pogrund's Jewish background.
Political Reactions and Investigations
Liz Kendall emphasized the importance of press freedom in a parliamentary democracy, stating, 'The freedom of the press, difficult though it is, is an essential part of the proper functioning of a parliamentary democracy.' She noted that the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) is already conducting a formal investigation into the report's origins. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have called for an immediate probe into Simons' role and that of other Labour Together directors, including serving cabinet ministers.
Details of the Apco Report
The Sunday Times revealed that Apco's findings were informally shared with Labour figures in 2024, including current cabinet ministers and special advisers. Tom Harper, Apco's senior director and a former Sunday Times employee, authored the report, which used documents and 'discreet human source inquiries' to make unfounded assertions. Harper allegedly suggested that emails supporting the original story likely originated from a Russian state-linked hack of the Electoral Commission, claims that have been widely disputed.
Statements from Involved Parties
In response to the controversy, Josh Simons expressed surprise and shock at the report's inclusion of unnecessary information about Gabriel Pogrund, stating he had requested its removal before forwarding the document to GCHQ. He affirmed that no other British journalists were investigated in any materials received by him or Labour Together. Kendall defended Simons' position, highlighting his support for the PRCA investigation and reiterating the critical nature of protecting democratic and press freedoms.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between political thinktanks and media integrity, with further developments expected in the coming weeks as investigations proceed.
