Well connected EU think tank denies being source of leak

In the galaxy of pro-EU groups that has emerged, British Influence stands out as one of the best connected – and notably with EU diplomats.

The think tank – once called Centre for British Influence Through Europe – became an early contender as the vehicle for the Remain campaign before the referendum. It had some of Britain’s most recognisable Europhile politicians as backers when it launched in 2012, according to the online CV of chairman Peter Wilding, right.

Lord Mandelson, the Labour peer and spin doctor, Ken Clarke, the former Tory leadership contender, and then-Liberal Democrat MP Danny Alexander were co-presidents.

However, Lord Mandelson and others went on to found Britain Stronger In Europe, which became the official Remain campaign, and he is no longer involved.

Since the June vote, British Influence has become a prosingle market think tank and briefed the press on critical comments made behind close doors over Brexit.

This week a senior figure in the group was quoted criticising Boris Johnson in reports of anonymous EU ambassadors claiming he privately said he backed free movement.

However, the group denied any involvement in the anonymous ambassadorial quotes entering the public domain.

A spokesman said: “British Influence had absolutely zero involvement in this story. It seems the original quote came from a diplomatic event (which British Influence did not attend).”