Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to work with other countries to prevent Russian influence from undermining democratic principles including by (1) providing funding to influence electoral outcomes significantly, (2) establishing social media accounts which disguise their real origin, and (3) promoting fake news, including relating to the attempted murder of their opponents on British soil.

We are committed to defending the UK from all forms of malign foreign state interference, whether from Russia or any other state. This includes working with international partners where appropriate. As part of our response, the UK agreed at the 2018 G7 summit in Charlevoix, Canada to work with other G7 members on defending democracy from foreign threats.

The Electoral Commission is the independent regulatory body responsible for ensuring that elections are run effectively and in accordance with the law. There is also legislation in place to prevent foreign money being used to finance campaigning at UK elections. It is for the Electoral Commission to investigate any breaches of this legislation.

A copy of the Charlevoix commitment is attached.