Urgent Review Launched into Foreign Interference in UK Politics
Sir Keir Starmer has authorised an urgent review into foreign interference in British politics, led by Philip Rycroft. The review is set to take 12 weeks, with a report expected by the end of March. It will quickly assess current donation rules and election safeguards, with potential changes proposed for the Elections Bill.
The inquiry follows the jailing of Nathan Gill, former Reform UK Wales leader, who received over 10 years imprisonment for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russian statements. Authorities have linked some individuals involved to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The review may tighten rules on cryptocurrency donations, foreign donations, and contributions to thinktanks, and aims to clarify measures against shell companies. It might also examine the funding of overseas online influence efforts such as troll farms and disinformation campaigns, including scrutiny of Labour MPs' donations and the CCP-linked activities of Christine Lee.
Communities Secretary Steve Reed announced the inquiry to MPs. Although Rycroft cannot compel testimony, he will have access to security services, though the extent of their cooperation remains unclear. The full report will be published upon completion, with the terms explicitly excluding any examination of conduct during the Brexit referendum, focusing instead on more recent cases.
The review's timing ahead of local elections has generated criticisms regarding potential political use of the inquiry and its impact on Reform UK and other parties.
