Last week Britain’s ambassador to the USA, Sir Kim Darroch, resigned following a leak of classified US information and a subsequent spat with Donald Trump. However, this story looks likely to rumble on after reports have emerged from one current and one former U.S. government official alleged that Mr Darroch repeatedly leaked classified U.S. intelligence information.
Whilst it should be stated that these alleged leaks are separate to the diplomatic cables which lead to Sir Kim Darroch’s departure one source is stating that that the U.S. government was so concerned into these leaks to a US-based media outlet that an official investigation took place to find the location of these leaks. The source described the leaked intelligence as “very sensitive.”
That source went on to say that derived records showed the ambassador and journalist regularly exchanging messages. However, the source was clear to state that the communications were not obtained by the U.S. government. A second source, who still works for the US government described the leaks while Mr Darroch was an ambassador as “unprecedented.”
However, it should be put on record that UK-US leaks have occurred before. Whilst the USA and Britain hold arguably the most successful intelligence relationship between 2 nations, leaks to the media have occurred on many occasions on both sides of the pond. In May 2017 a suicide bombing of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester occurred and leaks in the media in the U.S of British intelligence led Britain to take the decision to, for a short period, suspend the sharing of some intelligence.
These sources do not suggest that Mr Darroch was targeted individually as a suspect. However, any suspicion or attention toward a British ambassador is far from the norm. Britain’s role in the ‘Five Eyes’ project set out after World War 2 may be compromised should any of the ally’s in the group be found to have leaked highly classified U.S. intelligence, let alone the UK. This is because the trusting relationship between the two allies may be severed beyond repair if leaks are to continue.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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