Thread by @bbclaurak

Here is the report, worth a read for yourself .... docs.google.com/a/independent.…

But in sum
1. MPs accuse govt of turning blind eye to Russian attempts to interfere in referendum, 'astonishing' after they tried to meddle in indyref in 2014
2. Russian interference is new normal
3. Russian expats in London using biz to try to exert political influence

4. Intelligence services short on right resources + direction to focus on threat from Russisa
5. Some members of House of Lords accused of doing Russia's bidding
6. Number 10 gave reasons for delaying publication that were not true

Overall - report paints a grim picture that govt + intelligence community didn't seek to establish the real level of the threat to UK democracy from Russia, let alone then actually do anything about it

Govt line has always been there is no evidence of 'successful interference' in the referendum - this report concludes that's not because they can be sure it didn't happen, but because they didn't look

As if by magic - part of today's govt response - 'We have seen no evidence of successful interference in the EU Referendum.'