Report shows threat to democracy is real

The phrase “Mother of all Parliaments” became associated with Westminster as its model of democracy was adopted around the world. It was designed to ensure the integrity of the democratic process no matter the political leanings of those in power.

It has endured both left and right-leaning governments at home, previous health crises and major global conflicts.

But it was developed in a time before the digital world was conceived and, if it is to remain relevant, it has to be jealously guarded against malign influences both old and new.

The Intelligence and Security Committee’s Russia Report, published yesterday months after it was ready, suggests the government has been sleeping at the wheel.

It lays out how the Kremlin has been using the armoury at its disposal to infiltrate, ingratiate and influence.

It was active in the 2014 Scottish referendum on independence and again, apparently without check, in the Brexit campaign two years later.

The release of the committee’s report brought about the all too predictable round of political point scoring and calls that something must be done. But a concrete strategy on how to effectively combat – or even just stem Moscow’s malign influence on the UK – was conspicuous by its absence, as was the will to bring about that change.

The democracy which underpins our very way of life is under threat. We must not sit idly by and allow it to happen.