Labour minister falsely linked journalists to ‘pro-Kremlin’ network in emails to GCHQ
The Guardian World
by Henry Dyer and Dan SabbaghFebruary 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Labour minister has been revealed to have personally involved British intelligence officials in efforts to investigate journalists, linking them to a so-called "pro-Kremlin" network. Josh Simons, then running the thinktank Labour Together, sent emails urging GCHQ to probe reporters, with one official describing the actions as reminiscent of McCarthyite tactics. Despite later expressing surprise and anger at the involvement of a PR agency, evidence shows Simons played a direct role in naming journalists to security officials and falsely accusing them of ties to Russian propaganda.
Simons also instructed intelligence officials about another journalist, claiming they were living with the daughter of a former aide to Jeremy Corbyn, who was suspected of having links to Russian intelligence. These claims have raised concerns over potential political interference in media scrutiny. The Guardian's investigation highlights how such actions could undermine press freedom and create a chilling effect on journalists' ability to report without fear of government targeting.
The revelations underscore broader concerns about the misuse of intelligence for political purposes, potentially eroding trust in democratic institutions. Critics argue that such tactics risk stifling independent journalism and fostering an environment of intimidation and self-censorship. The case has sparked debates over the balance between national security and press freedom, with implications that resonate beyond Britain's borders.
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/20/2026