The Labour smear campaign that exposes Starmer's 'Stasi' government | The Daily T

Labour Together Scandal, Obama on Aliens, and Press Freedom: A Detailed Summary

Key Concepts:

• Labour Together: A political organization linked to Keir Starmer, accused of commissioning a smear campaign against journalists.
• Smear Campaign: A deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of individuals (journalists Harry Yorke and Gabriel Pogrund) through false or misleading information.
• Press Freedom: The principle that the press should be free to report without censorship or interference.
• Exorcism/Demons: Discussion of religious beliefs regarding evil spirits and the practice of exorcism within the Catholic Church.
• Aliens/UFOs: Debate surrounding the existence of extraterrestrial life, prompted by Barack Obama’s statements.
• Leveson Inquiry: A public inquiry into the phone hacking scandal and police misconduct in the UK.
• Totalitarianism: A political system where the state holds absolute authority and suppresses dissent.

I. Labour Together and the Alleged Smear Campaign

The core of the discussion revolves around allegations against Labour Together, a campaign group instrumental in Keir Starmer’s leadership and the Labour Party’s recent electoral efforts. The organization is accused of commissioning a US firm to conduct a “muckraking exercise” against journalists Harry Yorke and Gabriel Pogrund of The Sunday Times. These journalists previously reported on potentially undeclared donations of around £700,000 received by Labour Together between 2017 and 2020 while under the leadership of Morgan McWeeny (later Starmer’s chief of staff).

The commissioned report, costing £36,000, allegedly contained false claims about the journalists, including questioning Pogrund’s Jewish heritage and suggesting Russian influence. The findings were reportedly shared with senior Labour figures, a branch of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters – a UK intelligence agency), and members of Starmer’s top team. Josh Simons, the current head of Labour Together and a Labour MP now holding a ministerial position, is accused of commissioning the report.

Jacob Rees-Mogg describes the situation as “deeply sinister,” drawing parallels to tactics employed by totalitarian states. He emphasizes the danger of a political party attempting to discredit journalists who publish unfavorable stories, stating, “When you get a political party that is deciding that what it wants to do is to find dirt on journalists who've written disobliging stories, you're going into the sort of things that totalitarian states do.” He highlights the importance of distrusting the state, not necessarily due to the current leadership, but due to the potential for abuse of power. He specifically notes his positive interactions with Gabriel Pogrund, emphasizing his thoroughness and integrity as a journalist.

The timing of the report is significant, produced in January 2024 around the time Sue Gray (known for links to the security services) became Starmer’s chief of staff. The discussion raises questions about the relationship between Labour Together and the current Labour government, and whether British firms could have been used for the same purpose. A Cabinet Office investigation has been launched into the allegations, initiated by Starmer himself.

II. Historical Context: Labour’s Relationship with the Press

The conversation expands to a historical perspective on Labour’s relationship with the press. Rees-Mogg argues that a “hatred of the press” within the Labour Party dates back to the Kinnock era and even Harold Wilson, stemming from a perception that newspapers had undermined their electoral prospects. He asserts that under Starmer’s directorship of public prosecutions (DPP), more journalists were prosecuted than in some totalitarian regimes.

He clarifies that while many of these cases ultimately failed (with journalists acquitted on the grounds that receiving and publishing information is legitimate), the prosecutions themselves were concerning. He points to the Leveson Inquiry and the phone hacking scandal as a separate issue, distinguishing between illegal information gathering and the legitimate pursuit of news.

III. Obama, Aliens, and Belief Systems

The discussion shifts to Barack Obama’s recent statements regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Obama stated there are no aliens at Area 51 but believes life exists on other planets. Rees-Mogg dismisses the idea of aliens visiting Earth, deeming it “silly nonsense,” while acknowledging the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

This leads to a broader discussion of belief systems, including angels, ghosts, and demons. Rees-Mogg affirms his belief in angels and the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding exorcism and the existence of evil spirits, despite never having personally witnessed these phenomena. He recounts a hypothetical scenario of being called upon to assist with an exorcism, emphasizing his adherence to Church doctrine. He notes the paradox of being permitted to perform exorcisms but not to exercise (physical activity).

IV. Celebrity Privacy and the Press

The conversation touches upon the ongoing legal battles between celebrities and the press, particularly regarding privacy. Rees-Mogg draws a parallel between celebrities complaining about press intrusion and politicians who utilize the press when it suits their agenda. He argues that individuals must either lead entirely private lives or accept the scrutiny that comes with public engagement. He uses the example of the Beckhams and their public displays of wealth and lifestyle, questioning their complaints about paparazzi attention.

V. The Importance of Investigative Journalism & Fleet Street Dynamics

Rees-Mogg emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism and defends journalists who are targeted for their work. He acknowledges the stain that phone hacking has left on the industry but differentiates between illegal activity and legitimate reporting. He also acknowledges the prevalence of leaks and briefings within the media landscape, noting that even personal matters are often leaked to the press. He concludes by stating that the Labour Together scandal is not merely an “internal Fleet Street story” but a serious matter concerning the potential abuse of power and the erosion of press freedom.

Data/Statistics Mentioned:

• £700,000: Approximate amount of donations allegedly undeclared by Labour Together between 2017-2020.
• £36,000: Cost of the smear campaign commissioned against the journalists.

Notable Quotes:

• Jacob Rees-Mogg: “When you get a political party that is deciding that what it wants to do is to find dirt on journalists who've written disobliging stories, you're going into the sort of things that totalitarian states do.”
• Jacob Rees-Mogg: “I’ve always argued that we have to distrust the state not because the people leading it are particularly bad, but because they could be bad.”

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The discussion highlights a concerning situation involving Labour Together and the alleged targeting of journalists. The accusations raise serious questions about the party’s commitment to press freedom and the potential for abuse of power. The historical context provided underscores a long-standing tension between Labour and the press, while the broader conversation touches upon themes of belief, privacy, and the complex relationship between public figures and the media. The ongoing Cabinet Office investigation is crucial to establishing the facts and ensuring accountability. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society.