Labour MP hits out at May on Putin TV

AN ally of Jeremy Corbyn was yesterday accused of ‘freelancing for Putin’ after he appeared on Kremlin-funded Russia Today.

Labour MP Chris Williamson echoed theories churned out by Russia, including claims the Salisbury attack was being used to distract attention from Brexit.

The former shadow minister also criticised the Government for blaming Russia so hastily, saying Boris Johnson had ‘raced ahead of the evidence’. He appeared on the broadcaster – now known as RT – despite Labour’s shadow chancellor John McDonnell telling MPs not to do so. Mr McDonnell said that RT’s coverage ‘goes beyond objective journalism’.

Mr Williamson said this week: ‘It seems to me that the Government were indulging in political point scoring, particularly Boris Johnson,

who raced ahead of the evidence and used this terrible incident, not so much as a smoking gun, but as a smoke screen.

‘It was very convenient for the Government to use it as a way of diverting attention away from Brexit and economic policy.

‘I think Jeremy Corbyn was absolutely right to urge caution and to ask for clear evidence before we start to raise international tensions.’

Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron accused him of delivering ‘the Kremlin’s talking points’.

He added: ‘ It is utterly shameful MPs are doing Putin’s dirty work for him. Corbyn’s cheerleader is now freelancing for Putin.’

Tory Nigel Evans said: ‘It is depressing that close allies of Corbyn are prepared to mouth similar messages to Kremlin propaganda.’

Tory MP Michael Fabricant added: ‘Who needs dangerous enemies abroad when some are within? I like to think of people like Mr Williamson as gullible fools. But the likelihood is they are far more sinister. It’s all the more shocking when they aspire to government.’