Boris Johnson accused of 'sitting' on Russian interference report ahead of general election

Boris Johnson is facing increasing pressure to publish the document
Aaron Chown/PA
Ellena Cruse2 November 2019

Boris Johnson is facing renewed calls to stop delaying the publication of a key report which assesses Russia's threat to Britain's democratic processes.

Former attorney general Dominic Grieve said it was vital the report was published before the December general election as it contained information which was "germane" to voters.

Mr Grieve, the chair of the intelligence and security committee in Parliament, has accused the Prime Minister of sitting on the report ahead of the vote.

The independent MP, who was exiled from the Tories by Mr Johnson over his no-deal Brexit opposition, is calling on the Conservative leader to publish the committee's report before Parliament is dissolved on Tuesday.

Mr Grieve said the report should be made available to voters ahead of the election (Jacob King/PA)
Jacob King/PA Wire

"I cannot think of a reason why he should wish to prevent this report being published," Mr Grieve told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"It's very demoralising for us when we find we put in months of work and at the end of it we're not getting an adequate response."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson - In pictures

PMQ session in London
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Asked if there is useful information in the report for voters, he said: "Yes, I think there is. It's about information. I want to emphasise I'm not about to explain what's in the report, I'm not allowed to and I wouldn't dream of doing so.

"But the report is informative and people are entitled to information. It seems to us that this report is germane because we do know - and I think it is widely accepted - that the Russians have sought to interfere in other countries' democratic processes in the past."

The House of Commons was previously told the report was sent to the Prime Minister on October 17.

Parliament is expected to sit on Monday and Tuesday ahead of dissolution, although proceedings could be brought to an end sooner, which may prevent publication.

Additional reporting by PA.