The British – so called “government” – has just released its response to a petition with over 17,000 signatures to investigate foreign interference in the EU referendum, and here it is word for word;
As the Prime Minister stated in her speech at Mansion House on 13th November 2017, the first duty of Government is to safeguard the nation.
The Government takes the security and integrity of our democratic processes very seriously. It is unacceptable for any nation, not just Russia, to interfere in the democratic elections of another country.
With regard to cyber interference, the UK electoral system is a difficult one to manipulate directly through cyber-attack as we operate a system of manual counting of paper ballots. Nevertheless, the Government is not complacent and will continue preparing for the future. The National Cyber Security Centre is currently working to deploy active cyber defence measures. These seek to block, disrupt and neutralise malicious cyber activity before it reaches citizens. This is part of the Government’s on-going work to make the UK the most secure place to live and work online.
Concerning disinformation, the Government is proud that our country benefits from a free, open and accessible media. However, others may try to use this to manipulate and confuse the information environment to suit their own ends. Managing this in all its forms is a long-term priority for the UK and the Government will continue to work to effectively constrain the effects of disinformation. This includes regulation through independent bodies, such as Ofcom who – through the Broadcasting Code – require broadcasters to present news with due accuracy and due impartiality.
The Russian government persistently uses disinformation as a tool to destabilise perceived enemies. This is not a new evolution in methodology or approach and has been evident in Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea; its rhetoric on the Syrian regime backed chemical weapons attacks on innocent civilians; and as a method employed by the country in its destabilisation of east Ukraine and beyond. The UK is actively engaging with international partners, industry and civil society to tackle the Kremlin’s use of disinformation and propaganda, which is damaging Russia’s global reputation.
So the bottom line here people, it’s a “Nothing Burger” in terms any form of serious investigation. Why? Well because the government believes that the only way to affect an election is through direct manipulation of the electoral system. Other than that be it disinformation campaigns (cyber or otherwise), collusion by politicians or other forms of interference, well come on – these really don’t count to much – but they promise to keep their eyes wide open. So even where in Trump Land they see the wisdom of a special independent investigation in our Cherished Land the only active measures we have is the one perpetrated by the Russian government so we really need to thank them for the effort.
Here is my take on this briefly while trying hard to control my rage from this hogwash that’s becoming a pattern for the British government; I believe this government response raises the bar into unchartered territory in terms of the level of corruption/sleaze that we’ve seen in a governing party in this country – this is NOT about incompetence nor is it about Liberals vs. Conservative (or BREXIT vs REMAIN) but rather about a deliberate/sustained effort to control the narrative & hijack a serious debate even if it means we turn a blind eye in foreign meddling into our “Democracy”. This is a watershed moment in our history and the way we deal with it seals the deal for our Democracy and our reputation for generations to come. Talk about the effects of BREXIT, that’s nothing friends compared to how we deal with this gang running the country now. Do we tweet (and do like’s) or do take decisive action, because believe you me this is really about TO BE OR NOT TO BE for our Great Britain!
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