British security services drafted into General Election task force to protect politicians from violent attacks - and counter online interference from Russia, China and Iran
Britain's security services have been drafted into a General Election task force to protect MPs and parliamentary candidates from violent attacks, as well as to combat online interference by Russia, China and Iran.
The Mail on Sunday can reveal the secret Whitehall Joint Election and Security Preparedness (JESP) unit – which includes MI5, MI6 and GCHQ – will monitor extremist threats candidates may face as they canvass in their constituencies, amid heightened tensions caused by the Israel-Gaza war.
JESP will also act to identify and remove fake videos and social media posts by hostile states, which are weaponising AI to spread disinformation to dupe British voters.
Last night, a Government official said: ‘If there are threats against candidates from ideological sources, like extremists, then MI5 and counter-terrorism police will become involved.
If hostile states become involved in meddling in the election, then this will be flagged by the security services.’
![JESP is part of the Government’s Defending Democracy Taskforce established by Security Minister Tom Tugendhat (pictured)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/26/00/85342321-0-image-a-40_1716680497576.jpg)
JESP is part of the Government’s Defending Democracy Taskforce established by Security Minister Tom Tugendhat (pictured)
![The SIS Building, also commonly known as the MI6 Building, is the headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/26/00/85342319-0-image-a-41_1716680501274.jpg)
The SIS Building, also commonly known as the MI6 Building, is the headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service
![The Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/26/00/85342313-0-image-a-42_1716680503479.jpg)
The Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham
![Street signs showing Downing Street and Whitehall](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/26/00/85342323-0-image-a-56_1716680673571.jpg)
Street signs showing Downing Street and Whitehall
JESP is part of the Government’s Defending Democracy Taskforce established by Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and which has been given £31 million to protect MPs and electoral processes.
This newspaper can also reveal the MoD has drafted in the Army’s 77th Brigade – which specialises in ‘information operations’ – to combat interference and disinformation from abroad.