Copyright dailyrecord
A senior Tory MP has been accused of breaching Westminster rules by sharing doctored footage of a Labour Cabinet Minister as a clown . Right winger Robert Jenrick used social media platform X to mock Justice Secretary David Lammy over the prisoner release scandal. But the video he posted was an AI fake which showed Lammy in the Westminster chamber wearing a clown’s costume . According to terms and conditions of Parliament TV, downloaded audio or video must not be altered “in any way”. Material also must not be used for “satire, advertising, entertainment content or productions". In a letter to the Commons Speaker, Dunfermline and Dollar MP Graeme Downie wrote: "I am deeply concerned that this social media post crosses a line on a number of fronts. In addition to the clear breach of the Terms and Conditions, I am concerned about a politician of such seniority deploying AI-edited images and videos of a member of parliament in a way which changes what was said. “While this video is obviously edited and most discerning viewers would be able to understand this, the use of generative AI is a fast-evolving development and much newer content generated in this way is not immediately or clearly identifiably fake. "As parliamentarians we are entrusted by the electorate to represent them, to conduct political business with respect and decorum, and to demonstrate honesty and integrity to underpin trust in our democracy. “While this particular video is juvenile and obviously edited, the broader issue of amending the speech of fellow elected members is grave. I would be grateful if you would consider investigating this matter, and providing your thoughts on this matter.” Downie’s letter reflects wider concerns across the political divide about the misuse of AI to promote disinformation. One Westminster source predicted AI would be used to generate fake speeches and videos to mislead voters during elections. Jenrick, the shadow Justice Secretary , was beaten by Kemi Badenoch in last year’s Tory leadership contest. Since resigning from Rishi Sunak’s Government in 2023, he has become a hardliner on immigration and was an early supporter of withdrawing from the European Convention on Human Rights. Tory sources believe he continues to harbour leadership ambitions and will be a contender in a future contest. The Conservatives have been approached. To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here
