Lawmaker’s bribery conviction sparks UK probe into foreign financial interference
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Former leader of Reform UK in Wales Nathan Gill, arrives at the The Old Bailey, London, Friday Nov. 21, 2025. Photo by James Manning /APArticle contentLONDON (AP) — Britain on Tuesday launched a review into foreign financial interference in U.K. politics, after a British former member of the European Parliament was jailed for taking Russian bribes.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentNathan Gill was sentenced last month to more than 10 years in prison for making statements sympathetic to Russia in exchange for money.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentGill sat in the European Union legislature for two hard-right parties led by Nigel Farage, UKIP and the Brexit Party. After Britain’s exit from the EU in 2020 he became the leader in Wales of Farage’s current party, Reform UK. He is no longer a party member.Article contentArticle contentHousing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed, who is responsible for elections, said Gill’s conduct “is a stain on our democracy. The independent review will work to remove that stain.”Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article contentHe said the review will be led by former senior civil servant Philip Rycroft. It will look at the political financing laws, the rules governing political parties and whether there are enough safeguards against illicit money, including when it comes to cryptocurrency donations.Article contentReed said it would look at “all potential sources of malign foreign financial interference,” including China. Rycroft is due to submit his report by the end of March.Article contentIt will not look at claims of foreign interference in Britain’s 2016 referendum on EU membership, a claim made by some opponents of Brexit.Article contentBritish government and intelligence officials have increasingly warned that British democracy is vulnerable to manipulation.Article contentIn November, security service MI5 warned lawmakers that Chinese spies were actively reaching out to “recruit and cultivate” them through headhunters or cover companies. MI5 Director-General Ken McCallum said Beijing was behind “efforts to interfere covertly in U.K. public life.”Article contentTrending The Federal Reserve’s rate cut was a clear signal to investors Investor CRA's 100-day plan results are not the presents Canadians want or need Taxes Garry Marr: How raiding your TFSA before the end of year could save you thousands Personal Finance McKinsey plots thousands of layoffs in consulting slowdown Work Posthaste: Canada's provinces face 'deteriorating' outlook, says Fitch Ratings News Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.
The Federal Reserve’s rate cut was a clear signal to investors Investor CRA's 100-day plan results are not the presents Canadians want or need Taxes Garry Marr: How raiding your TFSA before the end of year could save you thousands Personal Finance McKinsey plots thousands of layoffs in consulting slowdown Work Posthaste: Canada's provinces face 'deteriorating' outlook, says Fitch Ratings News