Calls for a sweeping public inquiry into Russian influence on British politics have reached a fever pitch, as a petition demanding government action has amassed more than 70,000 signatures by late November 2025. What’s striking is that the highest concentration of signatories comes from Wales, with Plaid Cymru-held constituencies and Liberal Democrat strongholds leading the charge, reflecting both public concern and the aftershocks of a recent political scandal that has rocked the nation.
The petition, launched by Alexander Proctor, was catalyzed by the conviction and sentencing of Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales. Gill, once a prominent figure in both UKIP and the Brexit Party, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to ten-and-a-half years in prison for accepting £40,000 in bribes to make pro-Russian statements during his tenure as a Member of the European Parliament. As reported by Nation.Cymru and London Economic, Gill’s downfall has become a flashpoint for renewed scrutiny of Russian attempts to meddle in UK democracy.
The petition’s text leaves little ambiguity about its intent: “We are concerned about reported efforts from Russia to influence democracy in the US, UK, Europe and elsewhere. We believe we must establish the depth and breadth of possible Russian influence campaigns in the UK. We believe recent events underscore the urgency of this issue.” The campaign has resonated most strongly in Wales, particularly in constituencies such as Dwyfor Meirionnydd and Ceredigion Preseli—both represented by Plaid Cymru MPs—as well as Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, held by Liberal Democrat David Chadwick.
David Chadwick himself has been outspoken in his condemnation of Gill’s actions, describing him as a “traitor” and demanding a full investigation. He did not mince words when referencing Reform UK’s national figurehead, stating, “Nigel Farage himself was previously paid to be on Putin’s TV channel, Russia Today, and said he was the world leader he admires the most. We must all ask – where do his loyalties really lie?”
Despite mounting pressure, Reform UK has denied being a pro-Russian party. Nigel Farage, the party’s national leader and a former associate of Gill’s during their overlapping tenures at UKIP and the Brexit Party, has refused to initiate an internal investigation, arguing, “I am not a police force.” This stance has only intensified calls for an independent, government-led inquiry, particularly following Prime Minister’s Questions on November 26, 2025.
During that session, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts, directly challenged Prime Minister Keir Starmer. She queried, “Why is the Prime Minister so unwilling to take responsibility and launch a full investigation into foreign interference in our democracy?” Roberts later added, “The Prime Minister seems more interested in political theatre than taking action to hold Reform UK to account. A petition calling for a full investigation into Russian interference has gathered over 60,000 signatures, with Welsh constituencies showing the highest concentration of support. The Prime Minister must stop relying on self-policing and take real action with a full, independent investigation.”
Labour voices have echoed these concerns. Prime Minister Starmer himself, along with other Labour MPs, has urged Farage to launch an independent probe into Reform UK’s possible Russian connections. Meanwhile, Labour Senedd Member Mick Antoniw, who attended Gill’s sentencing at the Old Bailey, has described the issue as a matter of national security. “I firmly believe there are important facts to be uncovered about the extent of Nathan Gill and Reform’s connections with Russian interests,” Antoniw said. “It links to Nigel Farage’s interviews with Putin’s TV station Russia Today and extends to links with other politicians Gill was in contact with and tried to recruit. It is a matter of national security for Wales and the UK. Parliament in Westminster needs to act. An inquiry is the way forward. It is encouraging there is high awareness of this in Wales but it is of importance to all the UK.”
The groundswell of support for the petition is not limited to politicians. Social media has played a significant role in amplifying the campaign, with many users noting the remarkable regional disparities in signature concentrations. While Wales leads in engagement—perhaps due to more extensive media coverage of Gill’s conviction and the political reverberations—it’s also true that some constituencies, particularly in the South Wales Valleys, have seen lower participation. Still, the overall UK-wide response is robust, indicating that the issue resonates far beyond Welsh borders.
The UK government is obligated to respond to all petitions that surpass 10,000 signatures, and this one has already far exceeded that threshold. Should it reach 100,000 signatures before its May 10, 2026 deadline, it will be considered for parliamentary debate—a prospect that many campaigners hope will finally force the government’s hand. The petition’s momentum underscores a growing sense of urgency about foreign interference in British democracy, especially in the wake of high-profile scandals and persistent allegations of Russian meddling in Western politics.
The saga has also cast a shadow over the Reform UK party’s future. During the recent Caerphilly by-election, Reform UK faced renewed scrutiny when it emerged that its candidate, Llyr Powell, had previously worked for Gill in the Senedd. Powell has since deleted online interactions with the disgraced ex-MEP and denied any knowledge of his employer’s links to Moscow, but the incident has only deepened suspicions among the public and political rivals alike.
First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan, weighed in during a session in the Senedd, expressing her dismay at Gill’s actions and assuring Members of the Senedd that the Welsh government is taking steps to prevent “that kind of political interference” in the upcoming Welsh election next May. Her comments reflect a broader consensus among Welsh leaders that vigilance is needed to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
Meanwhile, the debate over how best to respond has exposed political fault lines. Some argue for swift, decisive government action, insisting that self-policing by parties is insufficient. Others, wary of overreach or political grandstanding, caution against using the scandal for partisan advantage. Yet, the core issue—whether the UK is doing enough to root out and address foreign influence—remains unresolved.
As the petition continues to gather signatures and public pressure mounts, the coming months are likely to see intensified debate, both within Parliament and across the country. With the next Welsh election on the horizon and memories of Gill’s conviction still fresh, the question of Russian influence in UK politics is set to remain front and center in national discourse.
For many in Wales and beyond, the hope is that this groundswell of public engagement will translate into meaningful action—ensuring that the integrity of British democracy is preserved against foreign interference, whatever its source.
