UK (Washington Insider) - The UK launched a review into foreign political influence, led by Philip Rycroft, focusing on China and funding rules, after ex-MEP Nathan Gill was jailed for taking Russian bribes.
As AP News reported, on Tuesday, Dec 16, 2025, the UnitedKingdom has launched an independent review into foreign influence in its politics. It will examine political funding rules, party regulations, and anti-corruption measures.
The review will also study new risks, including the use of cryptocurrency to bypass oversight. The government said the initiative shows its commitment to transparency and protecting the integrity of elections.
What is the UK doing to tackle foreign influence after the MEP Nathan Gill case?
The British government has opened a review into possible foreign financial interference in the UK, focusing on China. Cabinet Office Minister Simon Reed said the review will examine
“all potential sources of malign foreign financial interference,”
including investments, donations, and other financial channels that could affect British politics or institutions.
The review is being led by Sir Philip Rycroft, who is expected to submit his report by the end of March 2026. Officials said it will not cover claims of foreign interference in the 2016 EU referendum, which some Brexit opponents have raised.
This follows the jailing of former Member of the European Parliament Nathan Gill. Last month, Gill was sentenced to more than 10 years for taking bribes from Russia. He accepted money in return for making statements that supported Russia. Officials said his actions were a serious breach of democracy. Gill represented the hard-right UK Independence Party and the Brexit Party in the European Parliament.
After Brexit in 2020, he became the leader of Reform UK in Wales. He is no longer a party member. Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said Gill’s conduct“ is a stain on our democracy” and called for stronger safeguards to prevent foreign interference.
Concerns over foreign influence in the UK have grown in recent years, especially since 2016. In the aftermath of this referendum, many people were worried that foreign entities had attempted to influence voting behaviour.
UK authorities have also expressed concern regarding potential foreign interference through the use of gifts, investment, and other forms of financial transactions by nations such as China and Russia.
MI5 (The UK Intelligence Service) provided a warning to MPs about Chinese intelligence personnel attempting to recruit or influence political figures using consulting firms, headhunters, or any other form of organisation used for cover. MI5's Director General (Mr Ken McCallum) stated that Beijing had been involved with all attempts to conduct
"discreet forms of interference within UK society."