UK announces independent probe into foreign interference in politics

The UK government announced an independent investigation into foreign interference in British politics in December 2025. This decision follows the jailing of Nathan Gill, a former Reform UK lawmaker, who received a 10-year sentence for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russia statements. Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, initiated the probe in response to Gill's actions, which he described as a "stain" on British democracy. Gill admitted to accepting money from a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician between 2018 and 2019 in exchange for making scripted statements. The investigation aims to protect the integrity of the UK's democratic system and maintain public trust in elections, with support from across the political spectrum.