Russia report exposes deep systemic failings in Government approach to security

Speaking ahead of an Urgent Question in Parliament to the Home Secretary tomorrow, Labour’s Nick Thomas-Symonds has said that “on every level the Government’s response does not appear to be equal to the threat.

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:

“The Intelligence and Security Committee’s report on Russia exposes deep systemic failings in Government approach to security.

“This report outlines the scale of the shortcomings of the Government’s response to maintaining our National Security in the face of what is clearly a growing and significant threat from Russia.

“The report outlines a litany of Hostile State Activity, from cyber warfare, interfering in democratic processes, acts of violence on UK soil and illicit finance. On every level the Government’s response does not appear to be equal to the threat. While on key issues it is clear that there is no overall strategic response to this challenge - little wonder the Government have been so keen to delay the publication.

“The UK has world leading Security Services, yet this report makes clear they have not received the strategic support, the legislative tools or the resources necessary to defend our interests. The Government need to urgently outline how they will address these systemic failings.

“The report should also sound alarm bells ringing that other countries that wish the UK harm are undertaking similar activities and are not facing a sufficiently robust response.”