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.”
