Labour under scrutiny over investigative tactics against journalists
Sir Keir Starmer has launched a government investigation into the Labour think tank Labour Together, which is accused of commissioning a private investigator to compile a damaging dossier on British journalists, reports BritPanorama.
The Cabinet Office is examining the organisation’s actions in hiring a private investigator to scrutinise two Sunday Times reporters delving into its questionable donations.
The incident reportedly resulted in several baseless smears directed at journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke. At the time, the head of Labour Together was Josh Simons, who is now an MP and Cabinet Office Minister.
Labour Together served as a campaign vehicle for Starmer’s leadership, previously headed by his former chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. In response to the unfolding situation, Prime Minister Starmer stated he was unaware of the investigation, which was commissioned from APCO Worldwide.
He remarked, “There will be a Cabinet Office investigation into the allegations. I didn’t know anything about this investigation, and it absolutely needs to be looked into, so the Cabinet Office will be establishing the facts.”
Tech Secretary Liz Kendall indicated the government respects press freedom, emphasising the importance of the investigation being conducted by the appropriate regulatory body. She noted, “It’s right that this issue is being investigated…to make sure all the facts are established.”
Financial records revealed that Labour Together paid £36,000 to a US lobbying firm to investigate the “backgrounds and motivations” of the journalists involved.
APCO’s 58-page report attempted to create false links between the two journalists and Russia, alleging they might be part of a Kremlin conspiracy. Portions of the dossier were even shared with Britain’s spy agency GCHQ, which opted not to pursue an investigation.
This revelation has triggered widespread outrage across the political spectrum, with MPs demanding accountability. Labour MP Stella Creasy expressed her shock, calling the affair “shameful.” Tory Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy remarked, “Labour Together took Starmer to the leadership of his party. It paid foreign lobbyists to smear the journalists who investigated. Starmer has serious questions to answer.”
As this investigation unfolds, it highlights persistent tensions regarding transparency and accountability within political structures, particularly in relation to media scrutiny.
