Letter: Labour's use of Excalibur system
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your report, "Labour swaps private data with tycoon" (21 May), contains a number of inaccuracies.
I am writing therefore to make it clear that the Labour Party has never agreed with Philip Jeffrey that any data currently stored on the Excalibur system should be marketed or sold commercially, nor is it the party's intention to reach such an agreement in the future.
You claim that the computer is connected to the Internet. As this has never been checked with the Labour Party and is simply untrue, I am baffled that such an assertion could be made.
The Excalibur software is available commercially. It is run on industry- standard computer hardware. Many other multi-national and large public bodies use, or are considering using, the software and hardware concerned.
I am sure the manufacturers are very grateful for the publicity your paper has given them. I am less confident that you are concerned accurately to reflect either the nature of the technology or the use to which the Labour Party puts it.
DAVID HILL
Chief Media Spokesperson
The Labour Party
London SE17
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments