Spooks team up with ministers to bust conspiracy theories with online service amid growing alarm over misinformation
SPOOKS and ministers are teaming up to help MPs bust conspiracy theories amid growing alarm over misinformation.
Parliamentary experts are launching an online service to help MPs fact-check and reply to dodgy correspondence.
The online service is being set up in the wake of MPs being bombarded with anti-Semitic material and vaccine conspiracies.
It also comes after the Royal Family fell foul of wild online speculation about the health of the Princess of Wales and King Charles.
Insiders say the Commons Library service will link up with the intelligence agencies to help identify the source of any dodgy claims.
There are concerns that states like China and Russia are trying to meddle with our democracy by sowing misinformation.
MPs will be able to get advice on conspiracy theories, which could include those that have been circulating about the royals.
Last week, there was worldwide hysteria over Kate Middleton’s Mother’s Day photograph.
One cabinet minister said: “I’m very concerned about the rise in conspiracy theories. It erodes trust, it makes people ill, it radicalises people.”
There are concerns that when MPs don’t comprehensively reply to correspondence it fuels theories.
Next week, an online Q&A will launch to help MPs check information.
And, later in the year, MPs will be offered training on how to combat conspiracy theories and anti-Semitism.
One Labour MP said: “We’re being bombarded with very aggressive and anti-Semitic material. A lot of it feels very coordinated.”
Leader of the Commons Penny Mordaunt has been working with the Commons Library on the service.
Hate directed towards British MPs has soared since the start of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza.
MPs’ constituency offices and homes have been targeted along with abusive material online.
A new £31million package was recently announced to protect MPs in the face of the rising death threats and intimidation.
It will fund CCTV, alarms and even round-the-clock bodyguards for those considered to be at high risk.
Securities Minister Tom Tugendhat is leading a major ministerial taskforce to protect British democracy from hostile states.
There is concern images created through AI will be used to spread fake news.
Communities Secretary Michael Gove has developed a new definition of extremism that means Whitehall will be banned from engaging with hatemongers.
A Tory MP added: “Some people become really obsessed. I have even had death threats against my children.”