Jeremy Corbyn: We need to see more evidence of Russian interference in Western democracies

John Ashmore

Labour has called on the Government to “ratchet down tensions” with Russia and insisted there needs to be "more evidence" of the Kremlin interfering in Western democracies.



Earlier this week Theresa May issued a blunt message to the Moscow, accusing them of seeking to “undermine our institutions” by spreading fake news.

A new study released today suggested some 150,000 fake Twitter accounts based in Russia had been used to try to influence last year’s Brexit referendum.

But while Mrs May has struck an assertive tone towards Russia, Jeremy Corbyn’s spokesman urged conciliation with Mr Putin’s government.

Pressed on whether Labour view Mr Putin as a threat to democracies, the spokesman replied: "There are all manner of threats which we have talked about which are an issue for the government as a whole and for the Ministry of Defence – and Labour supported maintain our armed forces and prioritising our cyber security.

"I think we need to see more evidence of what's being talked about...[but] Jeremy has made clear on a number of occasions that we need to see an attempt through dialogue to ratchet down tensions with Russia,” the spokesman told reporters."

“He has made clear that in the Nato-Russian relationship there has been tension on both sides.”

The Labour leader has previously described Nato as “a danger to world peace and a danger to world security”, although he has since said he wants to “work within Nato” to enhance global security.

INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COMMITTEE

The Prime Minister came under pressure at Prime Minister’s Questions over recent comments from Boris Johnson, who said he had not seen any evidence of Russian interference in British politics.

She also revealed that after months of delay the Government would finally be appointing members to the Intelligence and Security Committee, the cross-party group that scrutinises the work of the secret services.

Tory MP and former attorney general Dominic Grieve looks likely to continue chairing the committee, which serves until the next general election.