Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, is set to stand trial in June 2026 over allegations that he accepted bribes to make statements in the European Parliament that would benefit Russia. The 51-year-old from Llangefni, Anglesey, faces eight counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.
At a hearing at the Old Bailey in London on Friday, Gill’s defense barrister, Clare Ashcroft, indicated that he intends to plead not guilty to all charges. The trial date was set for 29 June 2026, with the judge noting the significant preparation required for the case.
Gill, who served as a UKIP and later Brexit Party MEP between 2014 and 2020, is alleged to have conspired with former Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between January 2018 and February 2020. Voloshyn, a co-defendant in the case, is a former member of Ukraine’s pro-Russian Opposition Platform for Life party and is not believed to be in the UK.
According to prosecutors, Gill was allegedly tasked by Voloshyn on at least eight occasions to make specific statements in the European Parliament and in opinion pieces for media outlets such as 112 Ukraine. These statements were said to support a narrative that would “benefit Russia regarding events in Ukraine.”
Gill was arrested at Manchester Airport on 13 September 2021 under anti-terror legislation. His mobile phone was seized, and police claim to have found evidence suggesting a professional relationship with Voloshyn, including agreements to “receive or accept monies in return for him performing activities as an MEP.”
During the hearing, Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb released Gill on conditional bail, ordering him not to contact Voloshyn or obtain international travel documents. Gill confirmed that he had already surrendered his passport to police following a previous hearing in February. His next court appearance is scheduled for 18 July 2024.
Gill was first elected as a UKIP MEP in 2014 and briefly served as a member of the National Assembly for Wales (now the Senedd) from 2016 to 2017. He later joined the Brexit Party, Reform UK’s predecessor, in 2019 and led Reform’s 2021 Welsh Parliament election campaign. It is unclear when Gill ceased to be leader of Reform UK Wales, but the party has confirmed he is no longer a member.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its geopolitical implications and the serious nature of the allegations. If convicted, Gill could face substantial penalties, including imprisonment. The trial will likely scrutinize the extent of foreign influence on European politics and the role of elected officials in advancing external agendas.
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