The news comes just as Britain is hosting the G8 summit, which begins today. All G8 members belong to the G20, and the latest revelations are likely to fuel tensions. Ahead of the G8, thousands of people marched in Northern Ireland near where the two-day summit is being held.

Patricia McKeown, regional secretary, UNISON: “Well, G8 has come, and for every action there’s a reaction. Our reaction is: You need to listen to the people. There’s a chance for a better world here. The way you’re doing it isn’t working, and it isn’t fair.”

Noaise O’Beirne, protester: “We’re with our kids today to teach them how to protest peacefully against what we see are greedy fat cats who are here to take over this small part of the world and all of the world.”