URGENT UPDATE: Reform UK’s head of policy, Zia Yusuf, has declared the party’s former Welsh leader, Nathan Gill, as “ancient history” following his recent conviction for accepting £40,000 to deliver pro-Russian statements while serving in the European Parliament. This statement comes just after Gill was sentenced to a substantial 10-and-a-half years in prison.
During an appearance on Sky News’s Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Yusuf faced tough questions regarding trust in Reform UK, especially in light of Gill’s actions. “I think that would be an incredibly unreasonable position to take,” he stated, emphasizing that Gill’s actions were “treasonous” and “horrific.” He further asserted, “He deserves the sentence that he’s gotten. But… as far as we’re concerned, this is ancient history.”
This issue is particularly pressing as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has challenged Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to launch an investigation into the party’s Russian connections, labeling Gill’s actions as detrimental to national security. Speaking from the G20 Summit in South Africa, Starmer stated, “This is a serious sentence… How did that happen in his party? What other links are there between Reform and Russia?”
In a pointed response, Farage suggested that Starmer should focus on Labour’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey criticized Farage, pointing out that he had previously been paid to appear on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s television channel, Russia Today. “A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK,” Davey declared, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into Russian interference in British politics.
Gill, aged 52, had a controversial political career, transitioning from the UK Independence Party to the Brexit Party before briefly leading Reform UK in Wales. He admitted to eight counts of bribery related to payments received between December 6, 2018, and July 18, 2019.
As the political fallout continues, the implications of Gill’s actions are reverberating through the UK political landscape, raising urgent questions about party affiliations and foreign influence. The demand for accountability is growing, with many citizens calling for clarity on the extent of Russian connections within UK political parties.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
