UK ACCUSED OF INACTION OVER RUSSIA PROBE REPORT

LONDON: The UK government has been accused by opponents of sitting on a parliamentary report examining alleged Russian meddling in British politics because it might contain embarrassing revelations about Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his party.

The report by parliament’s intelligence and security committee (ISC) has been cleared by the security services but it has not yet been given approval for publication by Johnson’s office, meaning it cannot be released before a December 12 election.

Britain has accused Russia of meddling or trying to interfere in western elections, accusations denied by Moscow. The ISC was examining allegations of Russian activity aimed at the UK, including in the 2016 referendum on EU membership, when Johnson was a leading campaigner to leave.

Emily Thornberry, the foreign affairs spokeswoman for the opposition Labour Party, said the decision not to publish the parliamentary committee’s report was for “utterly unjustifiable, unprecedented and clearly politically-motivated reasons”.

“What is Downing Street so worried about? I fear it is because they realise this report will lead to other questions to about the links between Russia and Brexit,” she told parliament. She said questions might be raised about Johnson’s relationship to a suspected Russian spy who described the PM as a friend.

HOYLE BECOMES COMMONS SPEAKER

Long-serving Labour Party lawmaker Lindsay Hoyle was elected speaker of Britain’s House of Commons on Monday. Hoyle was chosen by lawmakers from among seven candidates to replace Bercow.