‘Urgent’ review announced into foreign interference in British politics

The UK government has announced an independent, urgent review into foreign financial interference in British politics, amid growing concern about overseas influence on parties, elections and public debate.

The review has been commissioned by ministers and will be led by Philip Rycroft, a former senior civil servant and permanent secretary. It is expected to report by the end of March, with findings intended to feed into wider government work on protecting democratic processes.

Announcing the review, Housing Secretary Steve Reed said recent events had exposed “serious and shocking” vulnerabilities in the UK’s political finance system. He said the government was determined to ensure that foreign actors could not covertly influence British democracy through donations, bribery or other financial means.

The move follows a series of high-profile cases that have intensified scrutiny of political funding and lobbying. Most notably, former MEP Nathan Gill was recently convicted and jailed after admitting to receiving payments to promote pro-Russian positions, a case ministers cited as highlighting the risks posed by covert foreign backing. Intelligence agencies and parliamentary committees have also repeatedly warned that hostile states and non-state actors are seeking to exert influence in the UK through political and financial channels.

According to officials, the review will examine the rules governing political donations and finance, including whether existing safeguards are sufficient to prevent foreign money entering the system indirectly. It will also look at bribery and corruption protections, transparency and reporting requirements, and the challenges posed by new forms of payment, such as cryptocurrency donations, which critics say can obscure the true source of funds.

The government says the review will work alongside the Defending Democracy Taskforce, which was set up to coordinate efforts across Whitehall to counter election interference, disinformation and intimidation. Any recommendations for legal or regulatory change could be taken forward through future election or political finance legislation, subject to parliamentary scrutiny.

Reaction has been mixed. Ministers have framed the review as a necessary and rapid response to clear risks, while opposition figures and campaigners have welcomed the move but argued that stronger enforcement powers and clearer bans on foreign-linked donations may be required. Some have also questioned whether existing regulators, including the Electoral Commission, have sufficient resources to police complex funding arrangements.

Officials have indicated that the review’s focus will be on current and future safeguards, rather than reopening past political events or referendums. Its remit is expected to concentrate on closing loopholes, improving transparency and ensuring that rules keep pace with evolving financial practices.

The findings, due early next year, are likely to shape the next phase of the UK’s approach to protecting its democratic system from covert foreign influence — a challenge that ministers acknowledge is becoming more complex and persistent in an increasingly interconnected political and financial landscape.