Watson welcomes Arron Banks probe
Tom Watson has welcomed a probe into the funding of the unofficial Brexit campaign, saying it is vital that British people know 'our democracy is safe and robust'.
Leave EU donor Arron Banks is under investigation by the National Crime Agency over the £8 million he gave to the campaign, after it emerged the cash came from a company that is barred from donating as it is registered offshore.
Labour deputy leader and West Bromwich East MP Mr Watson said: "The decision by the Electoral Commission to refer Arron Banks and his cronies to the National Crime Agency over the funding of the Leave EU campaign is long overdue, but still I strongly welcome it.
"If crimes took place or rules were broken during the EU referendum, we need to know.
"That means getting to the bottom of where Arron Banks' millions came from, and whether foreign – even Russian – cash was being laundered through offshore accounts.
"The NCA needs to follow the money, go abroad if necessary, and interview people under caution.
"If there was wrongdoing, we need to make sure that it's never allowed to happen again. Both Leavers and Remainers need to know our democracy is safe and robust."
Mr Banks has insisted there was was 'no Russian money, no interference' in the donation. He refused to disclose which of his companies had generated the money.
