Boris Johnson news – live: Russia-linked hackers try to steal UK coronavirus vaccine research, amid Tory anger at No 10 ‘incompetence’

It is “almost certain” Russian actors sought to interfere in the 2019 general election, foreign secretary Dominic Raab has said. Mr Raab said Russian elements had acted to “amplify” leaked documents relating to post-Brexit trade talks with the US.

It comes as Britain’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has said ‘Cozy Bear’ hackers linked to Russian state intelligence are attempting to steal secret research on coronavirus vaccines from UK labs. “We condemn these despicable attacks,” said the NCSC.

The report into alleged Russian meddling will be released next week, the intelligence and security committee has confirmed. Sir Malcolm Rifkind blamed Mr Johnson’s “incompetence” for the farce that saw No 10’s choice Chris Grayling fail to win the chairmanship.