Think Tank Urges EU to Force Officials to Report About Sputnik, RT Appearances

The report, published by the UK think tank Henry Jackson Society, urged European parliaments to introduce new legislation, which would force politicians to report about their appearances in Russian media, as well as in Sputnik news agency and radio and the RT broadcaster.

LONDON, November 21 (Sputnik) — The official launch of the report, written by Andrew Foxall, the director of the Russia Studies Centre at the Henry Jackson Society, will be held on Wednesday in the UK House of Commons.

Pro-Russian Officials, Parties in UK, EU

"Parliaments across Europe should amend current legislation or pass new legislation that forces politicians to declare all [Russian] media appearances they make, whether they receive money for them or not," the report read.

It also added that all journalists, politicians and activists should point out the "the pro-Russian connections of individuals and parties" in the UK and challenge their credibility at political debates namely for "deepening ties" with Russia and expressing support for its actions in Ukraine.

Alleged Ties of UK Right-Wing With Sputnik, RT

According to the report, some UK right-wing politicians have contributed to improving Russia's image on the international stage by appearing on its state-run media outlets.

"Since 2014, the Kremlin has invested significantly in new media aimed at influencing European public opinion and improving its international image, and the British right-wing have played a key role in this," the report said.

It said that from March 2014, Nigel Farage, the acting leader of the UK Independence Party (UKIP), made "almost monthly appearances" on the RT channel until July 2016 when he stepped down as leader the party.

The report also mentioned the Sputnik radio station in the United Kingdom and accused its executive producer, Johanna Ross, of "peddling conspiracy theories."

Sputnik is a news agency and radio network with multimedia news hubs in dozens of countries, broadcasting through its websites in over 30 languages, as well as on analogue and digital radio, mobile apps and social media. Sputnik newswires are available by subscription 24/7 in English, Arabic, Spanish and Chinese. RT operates a number of cable and satellite television channels in a number of languages and is directed at a foreign audience. The channels provide 24-hour news coverage, as well as airing documentaries, talk shows and debates.

Since 2014, relations between Russia and the European Union, have soured amid the crisis in Ukraine. Brussels, Washington and their allies have introduced several rounds of anti-Russia sanctions since Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and over Moscow's alleged involvement in the conflict between the pro-independence eastern Ukrainian militias and Kiev. Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.