Clear evidence Russia hacked British elections, says Chris Bryant
Russia hacked the UK elections, an out MP has claimed.
Former government minister Chris Bryant has told parliament that UK elections were “compromised by Russian infiltration”.
He made the claims to parliament as it was revealed several UK political parties have approached security agencies for help following a cyber attack during the 2015 general election.
Bryant who was previously Europe Minister under the Labour government, said: “There is now clear evidence of Russian direct, corrupt involvement in elections in France, in Germany, in the United States of America, and I would argue also in this country,” said Mr Bryant.
“Many believe that some of the highest level decisions affecting security in the United Kingdom, in Germany, in France and in the United States of America are now compromised by Russian infiltration.”
Informal talks are now taking place between security services and political parties following the reports.
It comes after French presidential favourite Emmanuel Macron claimed Russian forces were hacking their elections.
Macron has faced allegations of a secret gay affair, which Julian Assange has linked to Russian hacks, though the allegations have been laughed off.
Another former Labour minister, Ben Bradshaw, has previously claimed it was “highly probable” Russia interfered in the EU referendum through cyber warfare, a claim the Government says there is no evidence for.
Bryant also said: “My personal perception was that both David Cameron and President Obama were very reluctant to show a strong arm to Russia, because they thought by pressing the reset button, that was Obama’s view, somehow or other you would manage to get major concessions out of Putin.
“I have to say, that has simply not proved to be an effective strategy.
“In every single regard, Putin has simply taken those moments as a sign of weakness and preceded to use force in greater degree.”
