The invention provides a nucleotide or nucleoside having a base attached to a detectable label via a cleavable linker, characterized in that the cleavable linker contains a moiety selected from the group comprising: Formula (I) (wherein X is selected from the group comprising O, S, NH, and NQ wherein Q is a C1-10 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, Y is selected from the group comprising O, S, NH, and N(allyl), T is hydrogen or a C1-10 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group and * indicates where the moiety is connected to the remainder of the nucleotide or nucleoside).