UK Lawmakers Push for Total Ban on Crypto Political Donations

Seven UK committee chairs urge a ban on crypto political donations, citing transparency and foreign interference risks. The government is considering the move but faces regulatory complexities.

Seven UK parliamentary committee chairs have called for a total ban on cryptocurrency donations to political parties, urging the government to include such a measure in the upcoming Elections Bill. Their letter highlights concerns that crypto donations could obscure the true source of funds, enable numerous small contributions below disclosure thresholds, and expose UK politics to foreign interference. The Electoral Commission has warned that current technology makes it difficult to manage these risks. While Reform UK became the first party to accept crypto donations in May 2025, a record £9 million donation from Christopher Harborne was made in fiat currency. The Labour government has considered a ban since July 2025, but ministers acknowledge that the complexity of implementing such restrictions means it will not be included in the forthcoming legislation. The debate comes as the UK develops a broader regulatory framework for digital assets, aiming to regulate cryptocurrencies similarly to traditional financial products by 2027.