UK police launch probe into leaked Darroch comms

London: The UK's Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation into the alleged leaking of official communications involving Sir Kim Darroch, the country's former Ambassador to the US.

In a statement, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said at the time of the announcement, “Following a cross-government investigation led by the Cabinet Office a Gateway Process has occurred today with the Metropolitan Police into the alleged leaking of official communications involving Sir Kim Darroch.

“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."

Comments made by Darroch in official communications alleged to have been leaked to the press were highly critical of the Trump administration. They led to a storm of controversy, with US President Donald Trump publicly announcing that he would no longer work with Darroch. Darroch, who was serving as his country's ambassador to Washington at the time of the leak, resigned from his post last week.

“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," added Basu.

“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.”