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Three of the city’s MEPs are raising concerns with the European Commission about Russian interference in the EU referendum in an ‘unprecedented display of unity’. Green MEP, Molly Scott Cato, has teamed up with Labour’s Clare Moody MEP and former Conservative MEP, Julie Girling, to write to the Commission about their concerns[1].
They have asked how much the Commission know of Russian influence in the referendum campaign and of the techniques used; whether they consider such interference was an attempt by the Kremlin to attack and destabilise the EU; and whether they will use EU agencies to investigate the allegations.
Molly Scott Cato said:
“The EU referendum and the decision to leave the EU has been one of the most divisive our nation has ever experienced. But it is also bridging the political divide. In an unprecedented display of unity, three MEPs in the South West, from across the political spectrum, have united to express our deep concerns over allegations of Kremlin meddling in the EU referendum campaign.
Clare Moody, Labour MEP said:
“The Electoral Commission’s enquiry shows the evidence is mounting of links between British politicians and the Russian government and we now know there were over 156,000 Russian-based Twitter accounts engaged in a concerted campaign to support the Leave side. It is essential we get some answers about the extent to which this interference influenced the referendum result. That’s why, as MEPs, we are asking the Commission to tell us what they know and to investigate further.”
Molly Scott Cato believes the allegations of Russian collusion adds weight to the case for people and Parliament having the final say:
“The idea of a ratification referendum on the final deal agreed between the EU and the UK has long been Green Party policy. However, the allegations of Russian influence cast a long shadow over the Brexit result. It is therefore even more essential that the British public are provided another opportunity to vote to accept the deal negotiated by the government or choose to remain in the EU.”
[1] Letter to EU Commission: http://mollymep.org.uk/2017/11/28/wq-commission-russia-ref/
Full list of signatories:
Brisol’s MEPs: Molly Scott Cato (Green), Julie Girling (former Conservative), Clare Moody (Labour)
Other MEPs: Catherine Bearder (Lib Dem), Richard Corbett (Labour), Jill Evans (Plaid Cymru), Jean Lambert (Green), Jude Kirton-Darling (Labour), Paul Brannen (Labour)