16 December 2025
Today, the Government confirmed the launch of an urgent independent review into foreign financial interference in UK democracy, following the conviction of former Reform UK politician Nathan Gill for taking bribes to promote pro-Russian propaganda. The review, led by former Permanent Secretary Philip Rycroft, will examine political finance rules, safeguards against illicit overseas funding, and the powers available to protect the integrity of British elections.
Luke Myer MP has consistently warned that threats from hostile states are not abstract or distant, but live and present in the UK. In recent months he has pressed ministers on Russian interference, cyber-attacks on public bodies, political donations linked to foreign interests, and the growing role of social media disinformation in undermining trust in democracy. He has also called for stronger action against politicians who accept foreign-linked money, and for greater coordination across government to disrupt hostile online activity.
Answering questions in Parliament today, Government ministers confirmed that foreign-funded social media disinformation will be within scope of the review. This links financial interference directly with the online manipulation and hostile state activity increasingly shaping democratic debate.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Luke Myer MP said:
“Our democracy is precious, and Britain’s enemies are determined to undermine it. Foreign interference doesn’t just arrive in brown envelopes – it spreads through disinformation online and dodgy money in politics, all designed to divide communities and corrode trust. I welcome this review and the confirmation that foreign-funded social media disinformation can be examined. Protecting our democracy means being honest about the scale of the threat and serious about closing the gaps that hostile states are exploiting.”
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:
“This independent review will help to strengthen our democracy against covert attempts to interfere with our sovereign affairs. It will rigorously test the financial safeguards we currently have in place and ensure we have all the tools necessary to disrupt and deter threats. Protecting national security is our first duty and we will not tolerate those who trade our national interest for personal gain.”
The independent review builds on government action already taken to guard against foreign political interference – such as the closing of loopholes allowing foreign donors to influence political parties via ‘shell companies’. Further details on the forthcoming reforms will be set out through the upcoming Elections and Democracy Bill. The findings of the independent review will inform the Bill, due to be brought forward during this Parliament.