Kim Darroch: Met Police launch investigation into leaked ambassador memo criticising Trump

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu says leak damaged UK international relations

The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into the alleged leak of diplomatic cables from the UK’s former ambassador to the United States, Sir Kim Darroch.

Detectives from the Counter Terrorism Command, who take national responsibility for probing criminal breaches of the Official Secrets Act, are leading the inquiry.

Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said there was “clear public interest” in prosecuting whoever was responsible for the leak, which had caused “damage to UK international relations”.

He also appealed for the leakers to turn themselves in “and face the consequences”.

It came two days after Sir Kim stepped down as Britain’s ambassador to the US following the publication of memos describing Donald Trump as “inept” and “dysfunctional”.

The story enraged the US president, who took to Twitter to call the ambassador a “very stupid guy” and a “pompous fool” and say the White House would no longer deal with him.

Tory leadership contender Boris Johnson was also accused of throwing Sir Kim “under the bus” by failing to give the ambassador his support in a TV debate.

Mr Basu, the Met’s head of specialist operations, was previously involved in assessing the leak of National Security Council information about the Chinese tech giant Huawei, which led to the sacking of Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary.

He said the Met had been brought in following a cross-government investigation led by the Cabinet Office into the leak.

“As a result the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, who take national responsibility for investigating allegations of criminal breaches of the Official Secrets Act, has launched a criminal investigation.

“Given the widely reported consequences of that leak I am satisfied that there has been damage caused to UK international relations, and there would be clear public interest in bringing the person or people responsible to justice.

“The investigation will be reviewed at every stage to ensure a proportionate investigation is undertaken.

“I would say to the person or people who did this, the impact of what you have done is obvious. However, you are now also responsible for diverting busy detectives from undertaking their core mission. You can stop this now. Turn yourself in at the earliest opportunity, explain yourself and face the consequences.

“Also, to anyone who knows or suspects those responsible, or who has any information, please come forward.”

Mr Basu advised against the publication of further leaked government documents, adding: “The publication of leaked communications, knowing the damage they have caused or are likely to cause may also be a criminal matter.

“I would advise all owners, editors and publishers of social and mainstream media not to publish leaked government documents that may already be in their possession, or which may be offered to them, and to turn them over to the police or give them back to their rightful owner, Her Majesty’s government.”

He appealed for anyone with information to “exercise your public and civic duty and call the police” on 0800 789321.