The Labour Party's ties to Labour Together are under scrutiny as a government minister confirms an investigation into the group's actions. The minister highlights the potential involvement of senior government figures, including the prime minister, in the affair. The SNP has called for the prime minister to sack Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons, who commissioned the controversial 'Operation Cannon' report while heading Labour Together. Simons defended his actions, stating that ACPO Worldwide went beyond their contract scope by including unnecessary details about journalist Gabriel Pogrund. He claimed he requested the removal of this information before submitting the report to GCHQ. Initially, Simons dismissed claims of investigating journalists, insisting he was probing a suspected illegal hack unrelated to UK journalists. However, sources revealed that the report contained sensitive information about Pogrund's religious beliefs and ideological leanings. The report also alleged that Pogrund's reporting on the royal family could be seen as detrimental to UK stability and aligned with Russia's strategic interests. Labour MP John McDonnell expressed concern, urging the party to address the allegations seriously. McDonnell's efforts were met with a response from the party's general secretary, who claimed Labour Together is not a Labour organization, directing him to the complaints department for individual party members. Minister Liz Kendall assured the public that the Cabinet Office would investigate the matter, emphasizing the government's commitment to press freedom and the integrity of journalists involved. Labour Together's CEO, Alison Phillips, pledged to uphold the highest standards of probity and support the PRCA's review of the issue.
