Minister orders probe into foreign financial interference in UK politics

The government has initiated an independent review to investigate foreign financial interference within UK politics. This action follows concerns raised by the case of Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, which the government described as "shocking."

Gill was imprisoned in November after admitting to accepting bribes for delivering pro-Russian speeches and interviews during his time as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Communities Secretary Steve Reed, in announcing the review, emphasized the need for the government to learn from this situation to prevent future occurrences. Philip Rycroft, a former senior civil servant, will lead the review, with a report expected in March.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Reed stated that Gill accepted bribes to advance the interests of the Russian regime, which he noted has forcibly deported Ukrainian children and used a nerve agent to kill a British citizen on British soil. Reed described this behavior as a "stain on our democracy" that the review will work to remove.

Earlier in the year, the government released its strategy for "modern and secure elections." Reed stated this strategy would close loopholes that should have been closed previously. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. recent events have demonstrated the need to assess the adequacy of current safeguards, he added. The review's findings will inform the government's Election and Democracy Bill, planned for publication next year.

The review will conduct an assessment of current financial regulations and safeguards, providing recommendations to further reduce risks from foreign political interference. It will also assess the adequacy of existing rules to protect British democracy from illicit funds originating abroad, including those involving cryptocurrencies.

The government has framed the review as a direct response to the increasing threat of political interference in British democracy. The cases of Nathan Gill and Christine Lee were specifically cited as examples underscoring this threat. In 2022, MI5 issued a warning that Ms. Lee was a Chinese agent who infiltrated Parliament and donated to politicians. Lee has denied knowingly engaging in political interference on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.

Gill, who received up to £40,000, became the first politician jailed under the Bribery Act last month. He accepted money from Oleg Voloshyn, who the U.S. government once described as a pawn of Russian secret services, while serving as an MEP. Gill previously represented UKIP and the Brexit Party before joining Reform UK, where he briefly served as the leader in Wales until May 2021. Reform UK has welcomed Gill's conviction, calling his actions reprehensible, treasonous, and unforgivable.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, welcomed the review following Reed's statement in the Commons. He also urged the government to investigate Chinese influence on the Labour Party. Reed responded that the review could examine all potential sources of foreign financial interference.

Conservative shadow communities minister Paul Holmes also expressed support for the review, advocating for consultation with all political parties during the inquiry. He emphasized the need for improved information sharing to help political parties identify irregular sources when accepting donations.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson Zöe Franklin voiced concerns about the disproportionate influence of wealthy individuals, including overseas donors, on British politics. She called on the government to implement a cap on political donations.