Newscast Are Foreign Countries Interfering in UK Politics?
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Dec 16, 2025 
Daniel Thomas, the Financial Times global media editor, and Caitríona Perry, a BBC journalist in Washington, dive into the UK's independent review into foreign financial interference following Nathan Gill's bribery case. They discuss alarming implications for democracy and calls for scrutiny of China's influence. The conversation shifts to Donald Trump's $5 billion lawsuit against the BBC over alleged defamation and edited statements from his January 6 speech. They analyze the legal complexities, the BBC's defense and how this reflects Trump’s history of suing media.
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Review Triggered By Nathan Gill Case
- The government launched a focused review into foreign financial interference after the Nathan Gill bribery case.
- The review will examine wider “gray zone” threats like disinformation and foreign influence beyond just Russia.
Review Has A Sharp Political Focus
- The inquiry has an explicitly political dimension tied to Reform UK's reputational damage.
- Labour sees the review as a way to address a rival party's vulnerabilities ahead of future contests.
China Included In Wider Influence Concerns
- China features as an alternative focus, with past donation and spy concerns prompting scrutiny.
- The review is expected to consider influence from multiple state actors, not just Russia.