Nigel Farage faced harsh criticism in Parliament regarding his association with a disgraced colleague from Reform who confessed to accepting bribes from Russia. During a tense exchange on national security, Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty expressed surprise at Farage’s audacity to complain given the admission of bribery by senior Reform member Nathan Gill in support of Russia.
The 52-year-old former UKIP and Brexit Party MEP, previously the leader of Reform in Wales until 2021, is awaiting sentencing next month. Gill, describing Farage as a “friend and colleague,” has been frequently seen alongside him in various events.
In a debate concerning the Chagos Islands, Mr. Farage voiced concerns about Mauritius not honoring a treaty, suggesting Chinese involvement and criticizing the installation of Huawei cameras. However, Labour minister Mr. Doughty swiftly rebutted Farage’s arguments, highlighting Gill’s bribery admission and accusing Farage of echoing Kremlin talking points blaming NATO for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
Gill, a former UKIP and Brexit Party MEP from 2014 to 2020, served as the UKIP Wales leader while Farage led the national party. Gill briefly led Reform UK Wales in 2021 during the Senedd/Welsh Parliament election campaign.
Gill, hailing from Llangefni, Anglesey, pleaded guilty to bribery charges involving Oleg Voloshyn, a figure tied to Russian security services, whom he supported through speeches in the European Parliament and on TV. Gill defended pro-Russian TV channels and Medvedchuk in parliamentary speeches and appearances, arranging MEPs to speak to 112 Ukraine in exchange for bribes.
Following Gill’s case at the Old Bailey, Commander Dominic Murphy emphasized the importance of safeguarding democratic values against those seeking to undermine national security. Farage, unaware of Gill’s pro-Russian activities, expressed surprise at the revelations.
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