In recent years, the UK has become a prime target for Russian disinformation campaigns, aimed at destabilizing democracy and sowing division. This issue became even more urgent following the Southport riots, which were fuelled by fake news spread across social media. While these campaigns incite chaos, the UK government has failed to launch meaningful investigations. Neither Labour nor the Conservatives have taken sufficient action, despite growing evidence of Kremlin-backed operations.

Russian Disinformation: The Brexit Connection

Russia’s interference in the UK didn’t start with the Southport riots. The 2016 Brexit referendum was a pivotal moment. According to a 2019 report from Oxford University’s Computational Propaganda Project, more than 45,000 Russian-linked social media accounts were used to influence public opinion, pushing anti-EU and anti-NATO narratives. By exploiting pre-existing divisions, Russia aimed to weaken the UK’s global standing and fracture the EU.

Despite this evidence, the 2020 Russia Report by the UK Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee concluded that the UK government had failed to investigate Russia’s role in Brexit adequately. The report called for a thorough inquiry into the extent of foreign interference, labelling London “Londongrad” due to the influx of Russian money and influence. However, no significant action has been taken by the Conservative government, nor at present has the Labour government, albeit early days for the party.

Millions in Russian Donations to Political Parties

One of the most troubling aspects of Russian influence is the financial donations flowing into UK politics. The Conservative Party has received at least £2.3 million in donations from individuals with ties to Russia since 2010. In addition, several Labour Party candidates have received donations from figures connected to Russian interests. These financial ties raise serious concerns about the willingness of both major parties to investigate Russian interference thoroughly.

Southport Riots and Russian Influence

In 2024, the Southport riots erupted following the spread of a false story about the identity of an attacker in a stabbing incident. The claim that the attacker was an asylum seeker—pushed by Channel3 Now, a news site with Russian origins—was quickly discredited. The attacker was, in fact, a British-born teenager, but by the time the truth emerged, the false narrative had already sparked violence across the UK, further fuelled by Russian social media bots.

Both the Daily Mail and Soufan Center reported that Russian troll factories had amplified the disinformation, inciting far-right protests and anti-immigrant sentiments. Despite these clear signs of foreign interference, there has been no comprehensive investigation into the disinformation campaign’s origins. The Labour government’s apparent inaction, much like its predecessors, raises deep concerns about whether they truly grasp the urgency of this issue.

Russian Oligarch Influence in UK Media

Beyond disinformation campaigns, Russia’s influence extends into UK media. In 2004, Alexander Lebedev, a former KGB agent, was allowed to purchase two UK newspapers—the Evening Standard and The Independent. Both publications are now run by his son, Evgeny Lebedev, who was controversially given a peerage by Boris Johnson, despite security concerns. Evgeny Lebedev has also defended Russia’s actions, including the 2014 invasion of Crimea, during an appearance on the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show.

This level of Russian financial and media influence within the UK is staggering. It raises fundamental questions about how compromised British politics and media might be, and why major parties, including Labour, remain reluctant to investigate thoroughly.

The Government’s Reluctance to Investigate

Despite the gravity of these issues, the Conservative Party has shown little interest in investigating Russian interference. Boris Johnson’s government deliberately delayed the release of the Russia Report until after his election, ignoring cross-party pressure to address Russian influence. Similarly, Keir Starmer’s Labour government has been marked by apparent reluctance to make Russian disinformation a priority, choosing instead to focus on domestic concerns.

The refusal of both parties to confront the growing evidence of Russian meddling leaves the UK dangerously exposed. Putin must be watching with satisfaction, knowing that a few well-timed texts and social media posts can stir up violence and instability in the UK, all while its leadership does nothing.

Even more concerning is the fact that UK citizens have to rely on U.S. reports from the CIA, FBI, and Congress to understand the extent of Russian interference in British politics. The recent FBI affidavit on Russia’s role in influencing the 2024 US elections only highlights the extent of the Kremlin’s campaigns. The UK is likely experiencing the same manipulation, but without the same level of transparency or investigation.

A Call to Action: Accountability

It is time for the UK government to wake up to the real threat of Russian interference. A second inquiry into Russian influence in UK elections, starting with Brexit, is long overdue. With mounting evidence linking the Kremlin to disinformation campaigns, financial influence, and even media control, the refusal of both major political parties to take action is a dereliction of duty.

The Rejoin EU Party is calling for an independent investigation into Russian influence in the UK, including its role in Brexit, and a comprehensive plan to combat disinformation. Without immediate action, the UK risks further manipulation and division—both of which play directly into the hands of foreign adversaries like Russia.

Our democracy is at stake. It is time to demand accountability from our political leaders and to take a stand against foreign influence in our elections, media, and political systems. The UK’s future depends on it.

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By Alex Kerr

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