Ex-Reform UK leader sentenced for taking pro-Russia bribes

Ex-Reform UK leader sentenced for taking pro-Russia bribes
Nathan Gill talk to journalistsin Strasbourg, France, October 7, 2016
Reuters

Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, has been sentenced to ten and a half years in prison for accepting payments in exchange for promoting pro-Russian narratives while serving as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

During this period, he delivered Russia-friendly statements in the European Parliament and in media interviews, including defending two Ukrainian TV channels, 112 Ukraine and NewsOne, controlled by pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk. Gill also hosted a European Parliament event where Medvedchuk presented a "peace plan" for the Donbas region, which was subsequently praised on Russian television.

The scheme was orchestrated by Oleg Voloshyn, a former Ukrainian MP sanctioned by the U.S. and UK for spreading pro-Russian narratives. Gill reportedly received up to £40,000, and Voloshyn attempted to involve other MEPs in the scheme.

UK counter-terrorism police confirmed that investigations into whether other individuals were involved are ongoing. Reform UK, which expelled Gill prior to his arrest, described his conduct as “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable.”

At sentencing, Justice Cheema-Grubb said Gill had abused a position of trust, undermining public confidence in democracy, and highlighted the serious threat posed by foreign interference in the UK’s political system.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called on Nigel Farage to investigate Reform UK following the sentencing of  Nathan Gill.

Labour warned that the sentence raises serious questions about potential pro-Russian links within Reform UK. Farage’s party, currently leading in opinion polls, described Gill’s actions as “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable.”

Starmer said the investigation should examine how such payments occurred under the party’s watch and whether any other Russian links exist.

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