The Defending Democracy Taskforce has been mentioned repeatedly by Government ministers as being at the core of the Government’s efforts to tackle foreign threats to democracy, such as illicit donations, disinformation campaigns and social media manipulation by hostile states like Russia. Don’t miss a story SIGN UP TO EMAIL UPDATESThe Home Office told this outlet: “The Home Office cannot disclose the agenda, minutes, readouts, or briefings for ministers from the Defending Democracy Taskforce,” citing national security exemptions. Rose Whiffen, Senior Research Officer, Transparency International UK said: “The Defending Democracy Taskforce is responsible for a critical and evolving area of concern – foreign interference. When it was launched in 2022, the Government announced it would report to the National Security Council (NSC), a Cabinet Office body which is advised by Labour appointee Jonathan Powell. The Home Office declined to comment on the record, but Government officials say national security is their ‘first priority’.