The Crown Prosecution Service has named three more British MEPs from Nigel Farage's political bloc who allegedly followed a script provided by a colleague who was being bribed by an alleged Russian asset. This revelation significantly widens the scope of a scandal centred on foreign influence within UK politics.
The Allegations and the Script
Prosecutors state that Jonathan Bullock, Julia Reid, and Steven Woolfe "followed the script" given to Nathan Gill by Oleg Voloshyn. They used these talking points during interviews with the pro-Russian Ukrainian TV channel, 112 Ukraine, in March 2019. Gill, the former Wales leader for Reform UK, was jailed last month for his role in the bribery scheme.
In total, at least eight MEPs elected for either Ukip or the Brexit party—the forerunner to Reform UK—are now known to have been targeted by Gill. His mission was to co-opt them into fulfilling tasks set by his Kremlin-linked paymasters. There is no suggestion that Bullock, Reid, or Woolfe committed criminal acts or were aware Gill was taking bribes.
Political Fallout and Denials
The ongoing police investigation has prompted the Labour Party to call on Nigel Farage to assist investigators voluntarily. Anna Turley MP, the Labour chair, stated: "He must order an urgent investigation into pro-Russia links in Reform, and he should voluntarily go to the police for interview."
When approached by the Guardian, Jonathan Bullock rejected any wrongdoing. He argued his comments about national sovereignty were standard for his role as an energy spokesperson. Steven Woolfe declined to comment, though a friend said he felt "appalled" at being dragged into the affair and had never been contacted by police. Julia Reid did not respond to requests for comment.
Wider Network of MEPs Implicated
The CPS documents have implicated several other figures from the Farage-led bloc:
- David Coburn, a former Ukip Scotland leader, was mentioned in WhatsApp messages discussing a potential payment. He has denied receiving any money.
- Jonathan Arnott visited Ukraine with Gill in October 2018 and later echoed similar statements in a European Parliament debate. He rejects any suggestion of acting in Russian interests.
- Alex Phillips voluntarily spoke to police and has stressed her hostility to Putin, despite Gill promising his handler he would "get Alex to speak."
- James Wells was named in connection with a September 2019 intervention. He claims he had no knowledge of Gill's activities.
Ethan Wilkinson, Gill's former head of office in Brussels, also denied receiving a suggested "3k euro" payment. He stated he cooperated fully with the Metropolitan Police as a witness, unaware of Gill's illicit dealings.
The continuing investigation raises profound questions about the extent of Russian influence operations targeting British politicians and the mechanisms used to promote Kremlin interests within the European Parliament.
