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Number 10 abused its power by demanding cover-up of donors and friends of Boris in report on Russian influence

Sources close to the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee say that only a threat to national security can justify redacting names.

By James Cusick
Number 10 abused its power by demanding cover-up of donors and friends of Boris in report on Russian influence
What's he hiding? | Han Yan/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images. All rights reserved.
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Downing Street acted “beyond the conventions of its authority” by demanding that specific names be removed from a report into Russian influence on UK politics by the parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC), according to sources close to the committee.

The redactions are understood to have been ordered to protect London-based Russian oligarchs who are either leading donors to the Conservative Party or individuals regarded as friends of the prime minister, Boris Johnson.

According to Whitehall sources close to the ISC, with detailed knowledge of how it operates, Number 10 or senior ministers can order the redaction of names only if publication is regarded a matter of national security.

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