We have not seen evidence of successful interference in UK democratic processes, including in the 2016 referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union or the 2017 general election. It is absolutely unacceptable for any nation to interfere in the democratic processes of another country, and we take any allegations of interference in UK democratic processes by a foreign government extremely seriously.

That is why the Government is committed to ensuring the security and integrity of our democratic processes and has taken steps to ensure that there is a coordinated structure across all relevant UK authorities to defend against hostile foreign interference in British politics from any state.

In the UK, the police and Security Services are independent of Ministers and the Electoral Commission is independent of Government. This means that the UK Government does not, and cannot, direct these organisations to investigate particular allegations. These organisations take a professional view of the necessity and proportionality of using their investigative powers. Investigations by the Electoral Commission are a clear demonstration of the system working as it should. If offences are alleged, it is right that they are investigated by the appropriate agencies. That is what is happening at the moment and we must now allow the National Crime Agency space to proceed with a thorough investigation of this matter.

Cabinet Office.