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Labour MPs push for permanent ban on crypto political donations
At least 20 Labour MPs, led by Liam Byrne, back amendments to the Representation of the People Bill to permanently ban crypto donations and cut spending limits by 28%.
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The UK’s temporary pause on crypto political donations may be about to become a lot more permanent. A group of Labour MPs, led by Liam Byrne, chair of the business select committee, is preparing amendments to the Representation of the People Bill that would transform the government’s stopgap measure into a full legislative ban.
At least 20 Labour MPs have signed on to the proposal. The push comes as scrutiny intensifies over who is funding the rise of newer political parties in Britain.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government enacted a temporary moratorium on crypto political donations on March 25, 2026. The intent was to create breathing room to assess transparency risks before the next major electoral cycle.
The backdrop: Reform UK received roughly £15 million from crypto-linked donor Christopher Harborne, and a separate £4 million contribution from Ben Delo, co-founder of crypto derivatives exchange BitMEX.
The Electoral Commission currently classifies crypto donations as non-cash contributions, subjecting them to standard permissibility checks above £500. Critics inside Parliament argue that framework was designed for a pre-crypto world and was not built to handle assets that can move across borders without the friction that flags foreign interference in conventional finance.