Keir Starmer initiates urgent review into foreign interference and political donations in UK
Keir Starmer has authorised an urgent review into foreign interference in British politics with the aim of tightening rules on political donations. The inquiry is scheduled to report by the end of March.
The review will be led by Philip Rycroft, former permanent secretary of the Brexit department. It will run on a 12-week timeline without statutory powers; however, access to security services will be provided as needed.
This initiative is a direct response to the jailing of Nathan Gill, the former Reform UK Wales leader, who pleaded guilty to accepting tens of thousands of pounds in cash in exchange for making pro-Russian statements. The case involves individuals linked to Vladimir Putin.
The inquiry will evaluate current regulations concerning donations and election safeguards, potentially prompting changes to the Elections Bill. Areas under consideration include controls on cryptocurrency donations, foreign donations, funding of think tanks, shell companies, and funding of troll farms.
All party leaders have been invited to engage in an in-depth assessment of current financial rules and safeguards. The scope of the review reportedly includes scrutiny of Labour MPs' finances, with Christine Lee cited as a case of concern.
The terms of the review exclude conduct related to the Brexit referendum, focusing instead on more recent matters. The findings and recommendations are expected to be published ahead of local elections.
The article highlights the scale and complexity of party donations by noting that Reform UK donor Christopher Harborne has contributed £9 million to the party, illustrating the dynamics of political funding involved in the review.
