Phil Brickell MP
@philbrickellmp.bsky.social
Labour Member of Parliament for Bolton West | Foreign Affairs Committee | NATO Parliamentary Assembly | Chair APPG on Anti-Corruption and Responsible Tax
Email: phil.brickell.mp@parliament.uk
Phone: 01204 958 436
Website: www.philbrickellmp.co.uk
Email: phil.brickell.mp@parliament.uk
Phone: 01204 958 436
Website: www.philbrickellmp.co.uk
Pinned
Reform UK's Zia Yusuf calls Nathan Gill 'ancient history'
The party's head of policy says he has never met Nathan Gill, who served as the leader of Reform UK in Wales in 2021.
www.bbc.co.uk
Except that’s not true.
Gill was the head of Reform UK in Wales only a few years ago - in 2021.
Gill was constantly seen by Farage’s side since his first election - as a UKIP MEP - in 2014.
Reform must come clean with their Russian connections.
Gill was the head of Reform UK in Wales only a few years ago - in 2021.
Gill was constantly seen by Farage’s side since his first election - as a UKIP MEP - in 2014.
Reform must come clean with their Russian connections.
Superb news - especially for anyone considering investing for the very first time.
UK investment platforms to cut fees in effort to woo customers ft.trib.al/6VOJuum
UK investment platforms to cut fees in effort to woo customers
Government push to create ‘nation of investors’ stokes competition between providers
ft.trib.al
January 2, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Superb news - especially for anyone considering investing for the very first time.
The sooner the government can implement AML supervisory consolidation, the better.
Bringing supervisors under one roof in the FCA will create a cleaner economy, better insulated from criminals who want to launder their assets through our economy.
Bringing supervisors under one roof in the FCA will create a cleaner economy, better insulated from criminals who want to launder their assets through our economy.
UK law firms get ready for crackdown on money laundering
Harsher penalties and a ‘reshaping’ of the sector predicted when Financial Conduct Authority takes over as regulator
www.theguardian.com
January 2, 2026 at 6:05 PM
The sooner the government can implement AML supervisory consolidation, the better.
Bringing supervisors under one roof in the FCA will create a cleaner economy, better insulated from criminals who want to launder their assets through our economy.
Bringing supervisors under one roof in the FCA will create a cleaner economy, better insulated from criminals who want to launder their assets through our economy.
Wolfson’s got to go. Not only is this an insurmountable conflict of interest, it also shows contempt for UK efforts to repurpose Abramovich’s assets which were frozen after Putin’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine.
Representing Roman Abramovich - a sanctioned Russian oligarch - while serving as Conservative shadow Attorney-General risks a huge conflict of interest.
Kemi Badenoch needs to make a choice. Either Lord Wolfson continues as shadow AG or advises Abramovich.
He can’t do both.
Kemi Badenoch needs to make a choice. Either Lord Wolfson continues as shadow AG or advises Abramovich.
He can’t do both.
December 31, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Wolfson’s got to go. Not only is this an insurmountable conflict of interest, it also shows contempt for UK efforts to repurpose Abramovich’s assets which were frozen after Putin’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine.
Delighted to see so many from our community recognised in this year’s King’s Honours. A well-deserved thank you to those making a real difference locally.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2572742...
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2572742...
Bolton shines in King’s New Year Honours list as dedicated teacher among recipients
Residents from across Bolton and across Greater Manchester have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours list for 2026.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk
December 30, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Delighted to see so many from our community recognised in this year’s King’s Honours. A well-deserved thank you to those making a real difference locally.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2572742...
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2572742...
I was pleased to meet with the City Minister @lucyrigby.bsky.social earlier this month to discuss the Government's anti-money laundering reforms.
People traffickers, drug dealers and organised crime gangs must be prevented from cleaning their dirty cash in the UK.
People traffickers, drug dealers and organised crime gangs must be prevented from cleaning their dirty cash in the UK.
December 30, 2025 at 12:59 PM
I was pleased to meet with the City Minister @lucyrigby.bsky.social earlier this month to discuss the Government's anti-money laundering reforms.
People traffickers, drug dealers and organised crime gangs must be prevented from cleaning their dirty cash in the UK.
People traffickers, drug dealers and organised crime gangs must be prevented from cleaning their dirty cash in the UK.
I have been so disappointed by the lack of urgency and transparency displayed by the universities watchdog.
Allegations of impropriety at the University of Greater Manchester surfaced months ago after @manchestermill.bsky.social reporting, so why has a formal investigation only just been launched?
Allegations of impropriety at the University of Greater Manchester surfaced months ago after @manchestermill.bsky.social reporting, so why has a formal investigation only just been launched?
Regulator ‘asleep at the wheel’ over University of Greater Manchester investigation, MP says
Office for Students accused of ‘glacial’ response to allegations of fraud, bullying and mismanagement
www.theguardian.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:41 PM
I have been so disappointed by the lack of urgency and transparency displayed by the universities watchdog.
Allegations of impropriety at the University of Greater Manchester surfaced months ago after @manchestermill.bsky.social reporting, so why has a formal investigation only just been launched?
Allegations of impropriety at the University of Greater Manchester surfaced months ago after @manchestermill.bsky.social reporting, so why has a formal investigation only just been launched?
What this piece doesn’t explain is how it’s possible that: (1) a firm set up in May 2020 was awarded more than £200m of government contracts for PPE a month later, (2) it owes the government and HMRC more than £180m; and (3) yet it only has £600k of assets.
That’s the real story.
That’s the real story.
Michelle Mone-linked PPE firm liquidated and unlikely to repay £148m
The firm led by Baroness Mone's husband Douglas Barrowman breached a contract to supply surgical gowns during the Covid pandemic.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 20, 2025 at 10:44 AM
What this piece doesn’t explain is how it’s possible that: (1) a firm set up in May 2020 was awarded more than £200m of government contracts for PPE a month later, (2) it owes the government and HMRC more than £180m; and (3) yet it only has £600k of assets.
That’s the real story.
That’s the real story.
Alongside action on frozen Russian state assets, yesterday I again urged the Foreign Secretary to make progress on the Chelsea Football Club sale proceeds
Almost 4 years after Putin’s full scale invasion I hope the government can secure the dispersal of funds to support Ukraine as soon as possible
Almost 4 years after Putin’s full scale invasion I hope the government can secure the dispersal of funds to support Ukraine as soon as possible
UK will transfer £2.5bn of Abramovich cash to Ukraine fund, Starmer says
Prime minister says oligarch must commit funds from sale of London football club or face court action
www.theguardian.com
December 17, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Alongside action on frozen Russian state assets, yesterday I again urged the Foreign Secretary to make progress on the Chelsea Football Club sale proceeds
Almost 4 years after Putin’s full scale invasion I hope the government can secure the dispersal of funds to support Ukraine as soon as possible
Almost 4 years after Putin’s full scale invasion I hope the government can secure the dispersal of funds to support Ukraine as soon as possible
Very welcome news as this government gets on with giving our young people the very same opportunities I enjoyed as a student.
UK to rejoin EU's Erasmus+ student exchange scheme in 2027 reut.rs/4qeaoUo
UK to rejoin EU's Erasmus+ student exchange scheme in 2027
Britain and the European Union agreed on Wednesday to allow UK students to rejoin the bloc's popular student exchange programme Erasmus+ from 2027, a small but symbolic sign of improved relations after Brexit.
reut.rs
December 17, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Very welcome news as this government gets on with giving our young people the very same opportunities I enjoyed as a student.
Reposted by Phil Brickell MP
🚨🧵 1/ We welcome the new urgent Government review into foreign interference in UK politics.
👍 Our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social: "It's absolutely right that the Govt is reviewing our defences against foreign interference in light of Nathan Gill's bribery conviction."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
👍 Our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social: "It's absolutely right that the Govt is reviewing our defences against foreign interference in light of Nathan Gill's bribery conviction."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
Urgent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics
An independent review, led by Philip Rycroft, into foreign financial interference in UK politics has been commissioned by the government.
www.gov.uk
December 16, 2025 at 4:51 PM
🚨🧵 1/ We welcome the new urgent Government review into foreign interference in UK politics.
👍 Our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social: "It's absolutely right that the Govt is reviewing our defences against foreign interference in light of Nathan Gill's bribery conviction."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
👍 Our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social: "It's absolutely right that the Govt is reviewing our defences against foreign interference in light of Nathan Gill's bribery conviction."
www.gov.uk/government/n...
If true, this is fantastic news!
I benefited immensely from my time as an Erasmus student in Germany.
So I hope the next generation are able to enjoy the very same opportunities I had when at university.
I benefited immensely from my time as an Erasmus student in Germany.
So I hope the next generation are able to enjoy the very same opportunities I had when at university.
Erasmus scheme to return for UK students, BBC understands
The UK ended its participation in the scheme in 2020 after agreeing a Brexit deal with the EU.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 16, 2025 at 10:01 PM
If true, this is fantastic news!
I benefited immensely from my time as an Erasmus student in Germany.
So I hope the next generation are able to enjoy the very same opportunities I had when at university.
I benefited immensely from my time as an Erasmus student in Germany.
So I hope the next generation are able to enjoy the very same opportunities I had when at university.
Good.
We cannot allow hostile states to meddle in our democracy.
We need a ban on cryptocurrency donations, and independence restored to the Electoral Commission.
But we also know that Reform has a Russia problem, and it's time we got to the bottom of it.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
We cannot allow hostile states to meddle in our democracy.
We need a ban on cryptocurrency donations, and independence restored to the Electoral Commission.
But we also know that Reform has a Russia problem, and it's time we got to the bottom of it.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
UK to hold inquiry into foreign financial interference in domestic politics
Review, which will focus on effectiveness of political finance laws, follows conviction of former Reform politician for accepting bribes
www.theguardian.com
December 16, 2025 at 1:59 PM
Good.
We cannot allow hostile states to meddle in our democracy.
We need a ban on cryptocurrency donations, and independence restored to the Electoral Commission.
But we also know that Reform has a Russia problem, and it's time we got to the bottom of it.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
We cannot allow hostile states to meddle in our democracy.
We need a ban on cryptocurrency donations, and independence restored to the Electoral Commission.
But we also know that Reform has a Russia problem, and it's time we got to the bottom of it.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/d...
Good the government is bringing forward crypto regulation.
Consumers are often unaware that instruments are prone to manipulation.
But I'm still gravely concerned.
Too often, crypto's used to funnel dirty money and scam would-be investors.
Consumers are often unaware that instruments are prone to manipulation.
But I'm still gravely concerned.
Too often, crypto's used to funnel dirty money and scam would-be investors.
UK Treasury drawing up new rules to police cryptocurrency markets
Rachel Reeves wants to protect consumers by bringing digital money and assets into the ‘regulatory perimeter’
www.theguardian.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:13 AM
Good the government is bringing forward crypto regulation.
Consumers are often unaware that instruments are prone to manipulation.
But I'm still gravely concerned.
Too often, crypto's used to funnel dirty money and scam would-be investors.
Consumers are often unaware that instruments are prone to manipulation.
But I'm still gravely concerned.
Too often, crypto's used to funnel dirty money and scam would-be investors.
⚽️ BWFC v Exeter City ⚽️
Incredible energy at full time!
Well done Wanderers, with some especially deft footwork on the right wing.
Brilliant to also chat with Club Chair Sharon Brittan about how football brings together people from across our borough & from all backgrounds.
Incredible energy at full time!
Well done Wanderers, with some especially deft footwork on the right wing.
Brilliant to also chat with Club Chair Sharon Brittan about how football brings together people from across our borough & from all backgrounds.
December 13, 2025 at 8:07 PM
⚽️ BWFC v Exeter City ⚽️
Incredible energy at full time!
Well done Wanderers, with some especially deft footwork on the right wing.
Brilliant to also chat with Club Chair Sharon Brittan about how football brings together people from across our borough & from all backgrounds.
Incredible energy at full time!
Well done Wanderers, with some especially deft footwork on the right wing.
Brilliant to also chat with Club Chair Sharon Brittan about how football brings together people from across our borough & from all backgrounds.
It’s extremely worrying to read about further potential conflicts of interest and unusual commission structures at the University of Greater Manchester.
I’ll be writing to the Office for Students - which has now launched an investigation - & the Department of Education to highlight my concerns.
I’ll be writing to the Office for Students - which has now launched an investigation - & the Department of Education to highlight my concerns.
The Baroness and the banker: more questions the University of Greater Manchester doesn’t want to answer
The university has paid millions to a company controlled by a senior staff member and the wife of its chair of governors
manchestermill.co.uk
December 13, 2025 at 5:35 PM
It’s extremely worrying to read about further potential conflicts of interest and unusual commission structures at the University of Greater Manchester.
I’ll be writing to the Office for Students - which has now launched an investigation - & the Department of Education to highlight my concerns.
I’ll be writing to the Office for Students - which has now launched an investigation - & the Department of Education to highlight my concerns.
⛄🎅🎄Blackrod Primary School Christmas Performance ⛄🎅🎄
Thanks to headteacher Mrs Mead, Chair of governors Martin Banks, and reception class for a wonderful Christmas performance at Blackrod Primary school!
And thanks to Orla for showing me her angel costume.
Thanks to headteacher Mrs Mead, Chair of governors Martin Banks, and reception class for a wonderful Christmas performance at Blackrod Primary school!
And thanks to Orla for showing me her angel costume.
December 12, 2025 at 6:28 PM
⛄🎅🎄Blackrod Primary School Christmas Performance ⛄🎅🎄
Thanks to headteacher Mrs Mead, Chair of governors Martin Banks, and reception class for a wonderful Christmas performance at Blackrod Primary school!
And thanks to Orla for showing me her angel costume.
Thanks to headteacher Mrs Mead, Chair of governors Martin Banks, and reception class for a wonderful Christmas performance at Blackrod Primary school!
And thanks to Orla for showing me her angel costume.
Tackling corruption and dirty money has been one of my priorities as an MP, so I was pleased to welcome the Government's new Anti-Corruption Strategy this week.
But we can and should go further and faster 👇
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2568962...
But we can and should go further and faster 👇
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2568962...
PHIL BRICKELL: New anti-corruption strategy must match ambition with action
Earlier this week, Phil Brickell MP took several journalists on a 'corruption and dirty money tour’ around London, he writes in his latest column.
www.theboltonnews.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Tackling corruption and dirty money has been one of my priorities as an MP, so I was pleased to welcome the Government's new Anti-Corruption Strategy this week.
But we can and should go further and faster 👇
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2568962...
But we can and should go further and faster 👇
www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/2568962...
Yesterday I was invited to respond to the Government's new Anti-Corruption Strategy.
The Government has made a positive statement of intent, but now we need to deliver at pace to restore trust in politics as a force for good.
Read the strategy here - www.gov.uk/government/p...
The Government has made a positive statement of intent, but now we need to deliver at pace to restore trust in politics as a force for good.
Read the strategy here - www.gov.uk/government/p...
December 9, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Yesterday I was invited to respond to the Government's new Anti-Corruption Strategy.
The Government has made a positive statement of intent, but now we need to deliver at pace to restore trust in politics as a force for good.
Read the strategy here - www.gov.uk/government/p...
The Government has made a positive statement of intent, but now we need to deliver at pace to restore trust in politics as a force for good.
Read the strategy here - www.gov.uk/government/p...
Reposted by Phil Brickell MP
🌍Today is International Anti-Corruption Day!
Yesterday, the Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy – timely recognition that corruption is a threat to democracy. We co-sponsored the launch event, where our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social welcomed the UK’s anti-corruption drive.
Yesterday, the Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy – timely recognition that corruption is a threat to democracy. We co-sponsored the launch event, where our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social welcomed the UK’s anti-corruption drive.
December 9, 2025 at 12:07 PM
🌍Today is International Anti-Corruption Day!
Yesterday, the Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy – timely recognition that corruption is a threat to democracy. We co-sponsored the launch event, where our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social welcomed the UK’s anti-corruption drive.
Yesterday, the Government published its Anti-Corruption Strategy – timely recognition that corruption is a threat to democracy. We co-sponsored the launch event, where our Chair @philbrickellmp.bsky.social welcomed the UK’s anti-corruption drive.
"The Crown Prosecution Service...has named Jonathan Bullock, Julia Reid and Steven Woolfe, saying they followed the script provided to Nathan Gill by Oleg Voloshyn when giving interviews to 112 Ukraine, a pro-Russian TV channel in March 2019."
The more we find out, the more questions go unanswered.
The more we find out, the more questions go unanswered.
Three more Farage bloc MEPs alleged to have followed Russian asset’s script
At least eight MEPs elected for Ukip or Brexit party now known to have been focus of efforts by jailed Nathan Gill
www.theguardian.com
December 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
"The Crown Prosecution Service...has named Jonathan Bullock, Julia Reid and Steven Woolfe, saying they followed the script provided to Nathan Gill by Oleg Voloshyn when giving interviews to 112 Ukraine, a pro-Russian TV channel in March 2019."
The more we find out, the more questions go unanswered.
The more we find out, the more questions go unanswered.
This government is taking the fight to the organised crime gangs and kleptocrats seeking to launder their criminal assets in the UK.
Delighted to see the Foreign Secretary’s leadership inaction, with 2026’s international Countering Illicit Finances Summit to be held in London in June.
Delighted to see the Foreign Secretary’s leadership inaction, with 2026’s international Countering Illicit Finances Summit to be held in London in June.
Yvette Cooper vows to take on dirty money funding crime in UK and war in Ukraine
The Foreign Secretary warned dodgy funds were being used to fuel not just crime in the UK, but also Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, and it needed an international effort to stop it
www.mirror.co.uk
December 7, 2025 at 10:40 AM
This government is taking the fight to the organised crime gangs and kleptocrats seeking to launder their criminal assets in the UK.
Delighted to see the Foreign Secretary’s leadership inaction, with 2026’s international Countering Illicit Finances Summit to be held in London in June.
Delighted to see the Foreign Secretary’s leadership inaction, with 2026’s international Countering Illicit Finances Summit to be held in London in June.
Fascinating reflections on the government’s strategy ahead of the forthcoming Elections Bill.
This is a golden opportunity to tackle dark money, increase transparency & prevent foreign interference.
Looking forward to meeting MCHLG ministers later this week to discuss.
@conunitucl.bsky.social
This is a golden opportunity to tackle dark money, increase transparency & prevent foreign interference.
Looking forward to meeting MCHLG ministers later this week to discuss.
@conunitucl.bsky.social
Do the government’s electoral reforms go far enough?
On 24 October, the Constitution Unit hosted an event asking whether the government’s electoral reforms go far enough. A common theme that emerged was that the government should go further than its …
constitution-unit.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Fascinating reflections on the government’s strategy ahead of the forthcoming Elections Bill.
This is a golden opportunity to tackle dark money, increase transparency & prevent foreign interference.
Looking forward to meeting MCHLG ministers later this week to discuss.
@conunitucl.bsky.social
This is a golden opportunity to tackle dark money, increase transparency & prevent foreign interference.
Looking forward to meeting MCHLG ministers later this week to discuss.
@conunitucl.bsky.social
The House of Lords must not be allowed to block the clear and settled will of elected Members of Parliament
Those peers who’ve tabled countless wrecking amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill are bringing Parliament into disrepute and undermining the very fabric of our democracy
They must give way
Those peers who’ve tabled countless wrecking amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill are bringing Parliament into disrepute and undermining the very fabric of our democracy
They must give way
Peers’ delay of assisted dying bill ‘could lead to constitutional crisis’
Opponents are playing with fire with 1,100 amendments, critics say, as filibuster tactics to defeat Kim Leadbeater’s law ‘threaten the upper chamber’s future’
www.thetimes.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:06 AM
The House of Lords must not be allowed to block the clear and settled will of elected Members of Parliament
Those peers who’ve tabled countless wrecking amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill are bringing Parliament into disrepute and undermining the very fabric of our democracy
They must give way
Those peers who’ve tabled countless wrecking amendments to the Assisted Dying Bill are bringing Parliament into disrepute and undermining the very fabric of our democracy
They must give way
