Report on Russian election meddling which was blocked by ministers ‘names nine top Tory donors’ The Conservatives have denied deliberately blocking the release of the report by the intelligence and security committee

The Conservatives have been accused of blocking a report into alleged Russian election interference because it names a number of wealthy Tory donors.

Ministers have insisted the report from Parliament’s intelligence and security committee (ISC) was delayed only by the need for security experts to clear it for release.

But following claims that nine businessmen who give money to the Conservatives are named in the document, opposition politicians have described that explanation as “spurious”.

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The ISC report was submitted to the Government in mid-October but was not published in time for the dissolution of Parliament last week. It is highly unlikely it could be published during the election campaign period.

Election meddling

Committee chairman Dominic Grieve wanted the report’s findings made public before polling day. It is understood the document details efforts from Russia to interfere in British elections and referendums, but concludes those efforts were unsuccessful.

The Sunday Times reported that nine Russian-linked donors to the Conservative party are named in the report including Alexander Temerko, who previously worked for the country’s defence ministry. There is no suggestion that those named are guilty of wrongdoing.

Mr Grieve said: “The report does cover the full range of Russian activity – espionage, subversion and the threat from Putin to Russian exiles who are living in the UK.”

Labour called for the report to be released as soon as possible. Shadow Brexit minister Matthew Pennycook said: “This explains the spurious reasons given by Tory ministers for not publishing the Russia report before voters go to the polls.

“Russia’s network of influence presents a clear threat to our institutions and our democratic process. The report must be released before 12 December.”

Report clearance

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps insisted the delay was down to the “machinery of government” and dismissed the suggestion of a deliberate cover-up.

He told the BBC: “I just think as soon as you get to anything, as in the same way as spending plans and all the rest of it, they will block almost any publishing come an election and I suspect that’s all that’s happened here.”

Ministers have previously claimed it takes up to six weeks to get security clearance for ISC reports, parts of which are usually redacted from the published version. Mr Grieve insists this is an exaggeration.

As well as investigating claims of direct interference in British democracy, the report is believed to cover other ways Vladimir Putin’s regime has tried to extend its influence throughout the UK.

The committee studies the influence that Russia allegedly wields over British banks, lobbying firms, media companies and other organisations.