UK Lawmakers Seek Permanent Crypto Donation Ban Following Farage Controversy
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A group of UK lawmakers has proposed a permanent ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties and election candidates, arguing that digital assets pose unacceptable risks to the integrity of Britain’s electoral system following recent controversies surrounding Nigel Farage and political funding. The new proposal from some UK lawmakers comes in the form of New Clause 34 to the Representation of the People Bill, tabled ahead of the bill’s report stage in the House of Commons. If adopted, the amendment would replace the government’s temporary moratorium on crypto political donations with a permanent prohibition, effectively treating donations made in cryptoassets as impermissible under UK election law. The UK government introduced a temporary moratorium on cryptocurrency donations earlier this year while it considered a long-term regulatory framework for political finance. The new amendment seeks to make that restriction permanent. According to the official parliamentary record, the amendment is led by Liam Byrne and sponsored by Dr Ellie Chowns, Siân Berry, Carla Denyer, and Adrian Ramsay, among others. In the explanatory statement, the UK lawmakers said that: Supporters argue that the pseudonymous nature of many crypto transactions creates additional challenges for verifying donors, tracing the origin of funds and preventing foreign influence in UK elections. They contend that a permanent prohibition would provide greater certainty than a temporary suspension. The proposal forms part of a broader package of amendments aimed at tightening political funding rules, including enhanced “know your donor” requirements, stricter scrutiny of donations linked to overseas interests and lower campaign spending limits. The renewed push follows months of scrutiny over funding linked to Nigel Farage and Reform UK. The debate intensified after questions were raised over financial support connected to crypto investor Christopher Harborne, one of Reform UK’s largest financial backers, alongside broader concerns about transparency in political donations. While the proposed amendment does not mention Farage or Reform UK by name, the UK lawmakers supporting the measure have argued that recent controversies demonstrate why public political confidence requires stronger safeguards. If adopted, the amendment would represent one of the UK’s toughest restrictions on the use of digital assets in politics. Unlike disclosure-based regimes that permit crypto donations subject to reporting requirements, the UK lawmakers’ proposal would prohibit political parties and candidates from accepting cryptocurrency contributions altogether. Related: Crypto Billionaires Pour Millions Into Farage’s Reform UK as Party Embraces Bitcoin Agenda The move reflects growing concern among global policymakers about the potential use of digital assets to obscure the source of political funding or for foreign interference in democratic processes. Industry observers note that the proposal comes at a time when governments are simultaneously developing more comprehensive regulatory frameworks for cryptoassets. As of the time of writing, the House has not considered the amendment. TAGS crypto donations , UK Lawmakers , UK politics
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