UK politics ‘constantly suffering’ from online disinformation, says Labour MP

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 1 min read 100% complete by Alexandra Topping Political correspondentJanuary 18, 2026 at 05:38 PM

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Labour MP Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, has warned that online disinformation campaigns are undermining British democracy. She stated that the UK is "constantly suffering" from these campaigns, perpetrated by both state and non-state actors. Examples cited include Iranian bot farms promoting Scottish nationalism and biased algorithms portraying London as dangerous. Thornberry also noted that disinformation about the UK is being promoted by figures like Donald Trump and other US and UK politicians. She emphasized the need for action to address the risks posed by bot farms and biased algorithms to British democracy. The concerns highlight the ongoing threat of online manipulation to political discourse in the UK.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 50% Scotland 50% London 50% Iran 60% Donald Trump 60% Labour Party ×270% Emily Thornberry ×290% UK ×390%

Keywords

online disinformation 100% british democracy 80% bot farms 70% biased algorithms 70% disinformation campaigns 60% uk politics 60% non-state actors 50% state actors 50% scottish nationalism 40%