Fresh allegations have emerged linking three more British MEPs from Nigel Farage's former European parliamentary bloc to a script provided by an alleged Russian asset, according to prosecutors. The claims form part of a wider police investigation into Kremlin influence operations targeting UK politicians.
The Script and the Accusations
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has named former MEPs Jonathan Bullock, Julia Reid, and Steven Woolfe. It alleges they followed talking points provided to their colleague, Nathan Gill, by Oleg Voloshyn when giving interviews to the pro-Russian Ukrainian TV channel, 112 Ukraine, in March 2019.
Gill, the former Reform UK Wales leader, was jailed last month for taking bribes to promote Russian interests. The CPS documents from his case reveal that he acted as a conduit, tasked by his Kremlin-linked handler to co-opt fellow politicians. In total, at least eight MEPs elected for either UKIP or the Brexit Party (Reform UK's predecessor) are now known to have been the focus of these efforts.
There is no suggestion that Bullock, Reid, or Woolfe committed criminal acts or were aware Gill was being bribed. However, the claims have intensified scrutiny over the extent of Gill's influence within the political grouping.
Denials and Police Inquiries
When approached by the Guardian, Jonathan Bullock rejected any wrongdoing. He stated his comments to 112 Ukraine about national sovereignty were standard for his role as an energy spokesperson. "My comment was a standard run-of-the-mill answer from me," Bullock said, adding he was a known critic of Russia.
Steven Woolfe declined to comment directly, though a friend stated he had never been contacted by police and was "personally appalled" to be linked to the affair. It is understood Gill appealed to Woolfe's interest in free speech to secure his cooperation.
Julia Reid did not respond to requests for comment. The Labour Party has called on Nigel Farage to voluntarily assist investigators and order an urgent investigation into pro-Russia links within Reform UK.
Wider Network of MEPs Implicated
The CPS notes mention several other MEPs. David Coburn, former UKIP Scotland leader and Brexit Party MEP, was referenced in WhatsApp messages between Gill and Voloshyn discussing a potential payment. Coburn has denied receiving any money.
Jonathan Arnott visited Ukraine with Gill in October 2018 and later echoed similar lines in a European Parliament debate. He has rejected any suggestion of acting in Russian interests and is understood to have spoken to police as a witness.
Former Brexit Party MEP Alex Phillips voluntarily spoke to police, stressing her hostility to Vladimir Putin. Another, James Wells, was named in connection with a September 2019 intervention, with messages showing Voloshyn stating "We owe you" after Gill reported securing his cooperation. Wells says he had no knowledge of Gill's activities.
Ethan Wilkinson, Gill's former head of office in Brussels, also denied receiving any payment, saying he had "no idea" Gill was being paid by a Russian asset and had fully cooperated with the Metropolitan Police investigation.
The continuing police probe underscores ongoing concerns about foreign interference in British politics, with the alleged operation centring on a key bloc of Brexit-supporting MEPs during a period of heightened geopolitical tension.
