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Boris Johnson has been slammed for presiding over a “Soviet-style” reign of secrecy that is undermining democracy.

The charge from Shadow Cabinet member Jon Trickett follows the suppression of a Government report into the fracking industry.

It is the latest in a series of refusals by the PM to allow publication of information in the public interest until after polling day on 12 December.

Mr Trickett said: “Yet another cover-up. Whether it is denying talks to sell-off our NHS or suppressing a report on interference in our politics, Boris Johnson repeatedly operates by a Soviet-style diktat against the public interest.”

Government officials were instructed to ignore a court order to release a secret report on fracking after doubts were expressed over the long-term meaning of a pre-election suspension of fracking in the UK.

The Cabinet Office gave no explanation for failing to release the report in spite of an information tribunal ruling that it was in the public interest to disclose its findings in full.

Environment group Greenpeace spokesman Doug Parr said the Government was “ignoring the courts in order to avoid scrutiny of this dangerous and dirty industry”.

(Image: PA)

Downing Street is also refusing to publish a Commons security committee report into Russian interference in British elections amid reports that MPs mobile accounts have been hacked by “foreign powers”.

And it has sparked a furore after refusing to publish full versions of talks between UK and US officials over the sale of parts of the NHS to American firms.

An adverse report on the economy by the Office for Budget

Responsibility was pulled hours before the launch of the election.

Mr Johnson is also facing criticism for dodging disclosure rules on his relationship with businesswoman Jennifer Arcuri while Mayor of London.

Mr Trickett, shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “ Transparency in government is the best form of disinfectant. The truth is that Boris is polluting British democracy by taking secrecy to the heart of his Government.

“It is the actions of a Soviet-style diktat which displays contempt for the people and democracy.

“It is a stark warning of what lies ahead if Boris Johnson is re-elected.”