Sir Keir Starmer should commission a full review of Russian interference in British politics - Yorkshire Post Letters

Keir Starmer has urged Nigel Farage to investigate possible Russian influence inside Reform UK after its former Welsh leader Nathan Gill was convicted of taking Kremlin-linked bribes (Attack on Putin's influence as Reform leader jailed, TYP, November 22).

But is it realistic to expect Mr Farage to lead such an inquiry? His past praise of Vladimir Putin and appearances on Moscow-funded media hardly inspire confidence. A US congressman once called him “a Putin-loving, free-speech impostor and Trump sycophant”.

Reform UK is a new party, and Gill’s offending predates its formation. However, Mr Farage and Gill sat together as UKIP and later Brexit Party MEPs. Meanwhile, Reform-run councils have already faced controversies, which raises serious doubts about their capacity to investigate themselves.

Russian interference in UK politics is not a new concern. The Intelligence and Security Committee warned in 2020 that the government had failed to investigate Kremlin influence in the Brexit referendum. At the time, as Leader of the Opposition, Sir Keir criticised Boris Johnson for “taking his eye off the ball” and urged a more robust response.

Now, as Prime Minister, Sir Keir has the opportunity to do what he previously demanded: commission a full, independent review of Russian interference in British politics. That would be far more reassuring than leaving it to Mr Farage.

This investigation should not be confined to the UK alone. Russia has sought to undermine democracy across Europe, exploiting divisions wherever it can. The UK is strongest when working closely with European partners to safeguard elections and defend democratic norms against hostile foreign influence.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey, responding to Gill’s sentencing, said: “A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting a foreign adversary.

“Nigel Farage and his party are a danger to national security.

“We must all ask – where do his loyalties really lie?”

Sir Ed also emphasised that the UK must treat interference in domestic politics as a national security priority and ensure proper scrutiny of all parties with links to foreign states. A full, transparent inquiry would reassure the public and signal that democratic integrity is non-negotiable in post-Brexit Britain.