Labour MPs Push to Make UK Crypto Donation Ban Permanent
Labour MPs are building support for amendments to the Representation of the People Bill that would tighten political finance rules, especially by making the current moratorium on cryptocurrency donations a permanent ban. The push is driven by concerns that crypto can conceal foreign money and by scrutiny of Reform UK’s finances and Nigel Farage. Liam Byrne’s ban amendment has broad Labour backing; other proposals would cut campaign spending limits, restrict cash held by new parties, and add checks on foreign interference risks. The government imposed a temporary crypto-donation moratorium in March after a review warned digital assets could hide political funding. Critics of a full ban argue regulation may eventually catch up, but campaigners say existing oversight cannot trace crypto properly. Reform UK has accepted crypto donations and has received major funding from crypto-linked donors, while Farage faces separate scrutiny over a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne. The government is also planning its own tougher election finance measures.
