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<p>To date, we have not seen evidence of successful interference in UK democratic
processes, but we are not complacent. We know that certain states routinely use disinformation
and other means as a foreign policy tool, and have seen evidence of this happening
elsewhere. The Government has taken steps to ensure that there is a coordinated structure
across all relevant UK authorities to defend against interference in British politics
whether by Russia, or any other state.</p><p> </p><p>We treat the integrity and security
of our democratic processes extremely seriously. The EU referendum provisions were
carefully scrutinised and ratified by Parliament. In line with the precedent for referendums,
there was a six week period in which the formal result and administration of the EU
Referendum could be challenged by judicial review.</p><p> </p><p>The Electoral Commission
is an independent organisation and its investigations are a matter for it alone. We
must now allow the National Crime Agency space to proceed with a thorough investigation
of this matter and I will not be commenting further on a live investigation.</p><p>
</p><p>17.4 million people voted to leave the EU and that mandate should be respected.</p>
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