Probe launched into foreign cash in British politics

THE UK Government has launched an independent review of foreign financial interference in UK politics, after the jailing of a former MEP for taking Russian bribes.

- PRESS ASSOCIATION REPORTERS

Jailed: Nathan Gill

Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary Steve Reed said the conduct of Nathan Gill, who was sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for taking money to make pro-Russian statements, was a "stain" on British democracy.

Gill, from Anglesey, was an MΕΡ for Ukip and the Brexit Party, led by Nigel Farage, before joining Reform UK under Mr Farage, where he served as its leader in Wales.

Mr Reed told MPs that the review would be chaired by former top civil servant Philip Rycroft, who had worked in the Cabinet Office and Department for Exiting the European Union under previous Conservative governments.

Mr Rycroft is expected to report back by March next year.

Digital cryptocurrency donations to political parties and Beijing's influence would both be "in scope" of the review, Mr Reed told MPs.

The minister told the Commons that "events have shown that we need to consider whether our firewall is enough".

He said: "Following discussions with ministerial colleagues, I have today ordered an independent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics.