A bombshell revelation has emerged, shedding light on a controversial investigation conducted by a Labour think tank. The BBC has uncovered that Labour Together, a group instrumental in Sir Keir Starmer's election as Labour leader, commissioned a report delving into the personal and religious background of a Sunday Times journalist. This report, titled 'Operation Cannon', was prepared by APCO Worldwide, a US public affairs firm, and allegedly included sensitive details about the journalist's faith, relationships, and upbringing. The investigation also extended to the journalist's reporting on the royal family, which was deemed 'potentially destabilizing to the UK' and aligned with Russia's strategic foreign policy objectives. This revelation has sparked concern among Labour MPs and journalists, with some calling for an independent inquiry. The report's author, a former Sunday Times employee now at APCO Worldwide, has defended the investigation, stating that it went beyond the scope of the contract. However, the Labour Together CEO has pledged to support the PRCA's review of the issue, emphasizing the organization's commitment to probity. The controversy raises important questions about the boundaries of investigative journalism and the potential implications of such investigations on press freedom and individual privacy. As the story unfolds, it is crucial to consider the impact on the UK's political landscape and the future of investigative journalism.
