Former Reform UK Politician Sent to Prison for Accepting Pro‑Russia Bribes

Background

Nathan Gill, a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the Reform Party, was found guilty of receiving payments from a Russian‑linked source in exchange for delivering pro‑Russian statements within the European Parliament.

Court Verdict

During the hearing on Friday, Gill admitted to the charges and confessed that he had been paid to promote Russian interests during parliamentary debates. The judge sentenced him to 10½ years in prison, describing the offence as a serious breach of public trust.

Details of the Scheme

The prosecution presented evidence that Gill had been in regular contact with intermediaries acting on behalf of a Russian entity. In return for the payments, he delivered speeches that echoed Kremlin talking points, sought to undermine EU sanctions, and attempted to influence policy decisions favorable to Russia.

Reactions

Political leaders across the spectrum condemned the ruling. A senior Reform UK spokesperson said the party “distances itself completely from Mr. Gill’s actions and will cooperate fully with authorities.” The European Parliament also issued a statement reaffirming its zero‑tolerance stance on foreign interference.

Implications

The case highlights growing concerns about foreign influence operations targeting European institutions. Legal experts warn that the sentence could set a precedent for how similar bribery and espionage cases are handled in the future.