New revelations have emerged implicating Labour minister Josh Simons in a troubling attempt to discredit journalists by linking them to unfounded pro-Kremlin allegations. Internal emails obtained by this publication reveal that Simons, while at the helm of the think tank Labour Together, actively urged British intelligence officials to investigate reporters for their coverage of a scandal involving undisclosed political donations. This extraordinary sequence of events raises significant concerns about the ethical conduct of public officials and the chilling effect of alleged smear tactics on press freedom.
Background of the Allegations
Simons, who was reportedly “surprised” and “furious” over a public relations agency’s efforts to scrutinise journalists, had in fact been complicit in naming these individuals to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The emails, sent in early 2024, suggest a coordinated effort to undermine the credibility of journalists from the Sunday Times who reported on Labour Together’s failure to disclose £730,000 in donations, resulting in a fine from the Electoral Commission.
In a particularly alarming move, Simons and his chief of staff, Ben Szreter, not only implicated journalists Gabriel Pogrund and Harry Yorke but also insinuated that their work could be connected to a broader Russian disinformation plot. Such claims were made despite a complete lack of evidence linking these reporters to any pro-Russian activities.
A Disturbing Investigation
At the centre of this controversy is a 58-page report commissioned from APCO Worldwide, a lobbying and public affairs firm, which Simons initially intended to use to pre-emptively counter negative media narratives. However, the report’s findings included invasive details about the personal lives of journalists, raising ethical red flags. The NCSC eventually dismissed Labour Together’s concerns, indicating that the information might have been acquired through various legitimate means rather than a hack.
Despite claims to the contrary, Simons’ correspondence with intelligence officials demonstrates a clear intent to escalate his grievances against the journalists. He described Pogrund and Holden as part of a “far-left network” with alleged ties to Russian intelligence, a charge that has been vigorously denied by the individuals involved.
Growing Backlash and Calls for Accountability
As news of these revelations spread, pressure has mounted on Simons to resign. Critics have labelled his actions as reminiscent of the McCarthy-era tactics of unfounded accusations and smear campaigns. The implications of such a strategy extend beyond individual reputations; they threaten the integrity of journalism and the essential role of a free press in a democratic society.
Holden, a freelance journalist implicated in these emails, expressed profound concern over the invasion of privacy that resulted from Simons’ actions. He described the experience as “disturbing” and warned that it could have dire consequences for sensitive investigations. His partner, Jessica Murray, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the vulnerability felt by their family as a result of the unwarranted scrutiny.
Simons has publicly distanced himself from the invasive aspects of the APCO report, claiming that he was “distressed” to learn of its contents. However, the evidence suggests that he played an active role in the dissemination of personal information about the journalists to intelligence officials, a move that raises serious ethical questions about his judgment.
Why it Matters
The implications of this story extend far beyond the Labour Party. It highlights a growing trend of political figures seeking to weaponise intelligence services against the press, a practice that undermines the fundamental principles of free expression and inquiry. In an era where misinformation proliferates, the integrity of journalists must be fiercely protected, and the accountability of public officials is paramount. The chilling effect of such smear campaigns not only threatens individual careers but also jeopardises the public’s right to know, ultimately endangering the democratic fabric of society.
