Government Looks Into Claims Think Tank Investigated Journalists

The UK government is looking into claims that a Labour-linked think tank, Labour Together, hired a company to investigate journalists. This is because people are worried about press freedom. The government says it values a free press.
By Newsroom | Politics, United Kingdom |

Central Figures Under Scrutiny Amid Allegations of Journalist Investigation

Reports indicate that the UK Cabinet Office is examining claims surrounding Labour Together, a think tank that played a role in Sir Keir Starmer's ascent to Labour leader. These allegations center on the think tank commissioning a firm to investigate the backgrounds and motivations of journalists reporting on the organization. The inquiry, now being looked into by the Cabinet Office, follows concerns about potential undue pressure on press freedom.

Government looking into claims Labour Together ordered investigation into journalists - 1

  • Initial reports emerged focusing on Labour Together's engagement with a public affairs firm.

  • These reports detail that the firm produced a document examining the personal and religious background of a specific journalist.

  • The sum paid to the firm is reported to be at least £30,000, with one source citing £36,000.

Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The situation unfolds against a backdrop of scrutiny for individuals formerly and currently associated with Labour Together.

Read More: PM Asks for Review of Claims About Labour Think Tank Investigating Journalists

Government looking into claims Labour Together ordered investigation into journalists - 2

  • Morgan McSweeney, previously head of Labour Together, is a central figure. He later served as Chief of Staff to Sir Keir Starmer, a role he recently departed.

  • Josh Simons, identified as the head of Labour Together when the report was commissioned, is now a Cabinet Office minister.

  • Gabriel Pogrund, a journalist for The Sunday Times, is reported to be the subject of the investigation, with details of his Jewish beliefs and ideological stance allegedly included in the commissioned report.

  • Labour Together itself, a think tank that supported Starmer's leadership campaign, is the entity accused of commissioning the investigation.

  • APCO Worldwide, a US public affairs firm, is named as the company that conducted the investigation. They have stated they are undertaking an internal review.

Evidence Presented

Multiple sources confirm the core allegations and governmental responses:

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Government looking into claims Labour Together ordered investigation into journalists - 3

"The Cabinet Office will be 'looking at the facts' around Labour Together, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has said after the group was accused of commissioning a report that investigated the background of a journalist." - Article 3

"Sources told the BBC the US public affairs firm's report included information about journalist Gabriel Pogrund's Jewish beliefs and claims about his ideological position." - Article 2 & 3

"Labour Together… paid APCO Worldwide at least £30,000 to 'investigate the sourcing, funding and origins' of a Sunday Times story about undeclared donations at the think tank before the 2024 general election." - Article 3

"No other British journalists were investigated in any document he or Labour Together ever received, Simons said." - Article 1

Governmental Response and Calls for Inquiry

The unfolding allegations have prompted a response from the current government and calls for internal party action.

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Government looking into claims Labour Together ordered investigation into journalists - 4

Cabinet Office Review

  • Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the Cabinet Office is "looking into the facts" of the case.

  • She emphasized the government's value for "the freedom of the press," describing it as "essential."

Calls for Independent Investigation

  • John McDonnell, a veteran Labour backbencher and former shadow chancellor, has repeatedly written to the Labour Party's general secretary, Hollie Ridley, requesting an independent inquiry.

  • The Conservative Party has also formally requested an investigation into the roles of Josh Simons and other Labour Together directors.

Focus on Labour Together's Funding and Past Issues

The current situation draws attention to the historical funding and conduct of Labour Together.

  • The think tank was previously fined £14,250 in September 2021 by the Electoral Commission for late reporting of donations totalling £730,000 between 2017 and 2020.

  • Reports suggest that undeclared funds were used to support efforts to install Keir Starmer as Labour leader, raising questions about donation transparency.

Expert Analysis and Reactions

While direct expert commentary on the investigative firm's actions is limited, political figures have expressed their views:

Read More: Keir Starmer Says He Didn't Know About Report on Journalists

"Labour Together's behaviour 'shows a worrying contempt for the free press'." - Kevin Hollinrake, Tory Chairman (Cited in Article 3)

"We need a real Labour alternative." - Unattributed quote within Morning Star report (Article 7)

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Cabinet Office's review signifies an official acknowledgment of the seriousness of the claims against Labour Together. The primary focus remains on establishing the facts surrounding the commissioning of the investigation into journalist Gabriel Pogrund and the extent of knowledge within the Labour Party and its leadership regarding this operation.

  • The Cabinet Office is actively reviewing the details.

  • Calls for a more comprehensive, independent inquiry persist from within political circles.

  • The transparency of Labour Together's funding and its relationship with APCO Worldwide are under close examination.

Sources Used & Context:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Labour Together?
Labour Together is a group that supported Keir Starmer to become the leader of the Labour Party.
Q: What are the main claims?
It is claimed that Labour Together paid a company to look into the backgrounds of journalists who were writing about them.
Q: Who is investigating this?
The UK government's Cabinet Office is looking into the facts of the situation.
Q: Why are people concerned?
People are worried that this might be an attempt to put pressure on journalists and harm press freedom.