UK Digital ID Minister Investigated Over Think Tank's Journalist Probe

The UK government's digital identity program faces renewed scrutiny as Cabinet Office minister Josh Simons is under investigation for his role in commissioning a controversial probe into journalists while running the Labour think tank Labour Together.

Ethics Investigation Launched

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has ordered the government's propriety and ethics team to examine Simons' actions during his tenure at Labour Together, which he led between 2022 and his election as a Labour MP in 2024. The investigation centers on a 2023 report commissioned from US public affairs firm APCO Worldwide that targeted Sunday Times journalists who had reported on the think tank's failure to declare £730,000 in donations.

The probe has raised serious concerns about press freedom and the appropriate use of government resources, with Liberal Democrat MP Lisa Smart calling for Simons to temporarily stand down during the investigation. "It looks like the group that credits itself with getting Labour into government has carried out an outrageous attack on our independent free press," Smart stated in a parliamentary intervention.

Controversial Report Details

The Sunday Times revealed that the APCO Worldwide report suggested their journalists had used hacked emails provided by Russia, and included sensitive information about reporter Gabriel Pogrund's Jewish heritage. The think tank passed a redacted version of the report to GCHQ's National Cyber Security Centre, which ultimately decided against launching a full inquiry.

Simons has defended his actions, telling the newspaper he was "surprised and shocked" that APCO Worldwide included "unnecessary information" on the journalist, which he requested be removed before forwarding the report to GCHQ. However, critics argue that commissioning such an investigation in the first place represents a serious breach of ethical standards.

Digital ID Program Oversight Questions

The investigation raises questions about Simons' suitability to lead the government's digital identity initiative, which he launched last September. The program has already faced significant opposition, with Starmer dropping plans to make digital ID compulsory for right-to-work checks in January following widespread criticism.

Despite the backtrack, Simons has maintained that digital right-to-work checks will be mandatory, telling Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake that "checks will be digital and they will be mandatory" with technical details to follow in an upcoming consultation. This stance has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and opposition MPs who question the government's commitment to voluntary digital identity adoption.

Political Context and Implications

The controversy comes amid broader questions about Labour's internal operations, following the recent resignation of Morgan McSweeney, Labour Together's founder and Starmer's former chief of staff. McSweeney stepped down earlier this month for his role in appointing former US ambassador Peter Mandelson, who has faced scrutiny over exchanges released in the Epstein Files.

Labour Together's involvement in Starmer's leadership campaign and its subsequent influence on government policy has made the think tank a focal point for opposition criticism. The current investigation could further complicate the government's efforts to implement its digital identity agenda, which has already been delayed and scaled back.

Industry Response

Digital identity experts have expressed concern about the potential impact on the UK's digital transformation efforts. The government's digital ID program, while scaled back, remains a cornerstone of its plans to modernize public services and combat fraud. However, the controversy surrounding its minister could undermine public confidence in the initiative.

The investigation also highlights the delicate balance between national security concerns and press freedom, particularly when it comes to investigations involving foreign entities like APCO Worldwide. Questions remain about the appropriate oversight of think tanks that maintain close ties to government officials and their role in shaping policy.

Next Steps

The Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team is expected to report its findings in the coming weeks, with potential implications for both Simons' ministerial position and the broader digital identity program. Meanwhile, the government continues to prepare its consultation on revised digital ID plans, though the timing and content may be affected by the ongoing investigation.

For now, Simons remains in his position leading the digital identity initiative, but the investigation casts a shadow over his ability to effectively champion the program. As the government navigates these challenges, the future of the UK's digital identity landscape remains uncertain, with questions about both its technical implementation and the ethical framework governing its development.