The Cabinet Office is set to examine the circumstances surrounding Labour Together, a key ally of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, following allegations that the organisation commissioned a report into journalists. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the government’s commitment to uncovering the facts behind the claims, which have raised serious questions about press freedom.
Allegations of Impropriety
Labour Together has come under scrutiny after it was revealed that the group paid APCO Worldwide, a US-based public relations firm, over £30,000 to probe the origins of a Sunday Times article discussing undisclosed donations to the think tank ahead of the 2024 general election. Critics have expressed concerns that such actions reflect a disturbing disregard for journalistic integrity.
Tory chairman Kevin Hollinrake voiced his alarm, stating that Labour Together’s actions suggest “a worrying contempt for the free press.” He called for clarity on whether senior government officials, including those close to the Prime Minister, were aware of the investigation. The party has urged Labour to sever ties with Labour Together until an independent investigation is conducted.
The Minister’s Defence
Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons, who initiated the report while leading Labour Together, has defended the undertaking, asserting that APCO Worldwide exceeded the agreed parameters. He expressed shock upon discovering that the report contained extraneous information about Sunday Times journalist Gabriel Pogrund, which he had requested be omitted prior to sharing the findings with GCHQ, the UK’s intelligence and security agency.
Earlier, Simons had dismissed accusations that he sought to investigate journalists directly, insisting that his request was solely focused on a “suspected illegal hack” unrelated to UK journalists.
Content of the Report Under Fire
While the BBC has not received the complete report, sources familiar with its content have confirmed troubling details. The report reportedly included information about Pogrund’s Jewish background and made assertions regarding his previous reporting, suggesting it could undermine UK interests and serve Russian foreign policy aims. Notably, the findings were prepared by a former Sunday Times employee now associated with APCO.
APCO Worldwide has stated it is conducting an internal review of its actions and is cooperating with the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) as they investigate the matter.
Reactions from the Media and Politicians
Ben Taylor, editor of the Sunday Times, has condemned the justifications provided by Labour Together leaders, arguing that the conclusions of the report were widely discussed among influential figures in Westminster. He expressed concern about the implications of such claims, which hint at collusion between the newspaper and foreign interests.
Labour MP John McDonnell, who has repeatedly raised the issue within the party, described the allegations as serious and expressed frustration with the party’s response, which he felt fell short of addressing the gravity of the situation. He reiterated the need for Labour to take immediate action to investigate the matter thoroughly.
The Government’s Position
Kendall has reiterated the importance of a free press, emphasising that the journalists involved possess significant experience and integrity. She affirmed the Cabinet Office’s intention to scrutinise the events in question, stating, “The freedom of the press is absolutely essential for me personally, and the government as a whole.”
Alison Phillips, the chief executive of Labour Together, pledged a commitment to uphold high standards of accountability and has expressed readiness to assist in the PRCA’s review.
Why it Matters
This incident highlights a critical junction in the relationship between political organisations and the press, raising fundamental questions about transparency, accountability, and the sanctity of journalistic freedom in the UK. As the Cabinet Office investigates, the implications for Labour Together, and potentially the Labour Party as a whole, could resonate deeply within the political landscape, influencing public trust and press relations for years to come.
