UK Tightens Rules on Foreign Political Donations

Britain has tightened its rules governing foreign political donations as part of efforts to shield elections from overseas influence amid growing concerns over suspicious funding.

The move follows a government review launched last year after a former Reform UK politician was jailed for accepting bribes in exchange for pro-Russia speeches and statements. The review concluded that countries including Russia, China and Iran continue to seek to influence British democracy.

Under the new rules, political candidates must disclose donations exceeding £2,230 received before formally standing for office and demonstrate that the funding originated from legitimate sources.

Individuals moving to the UK from abroad will also be required to reside permanently in the country for at least one year before making political donations worth £100,000 or more. Corporate donations will be assessed based on post-tax profits rather than revenues to ensure only genuine UK-linked companies can contribute.

The measures build on reforms announced in March that capped annual political donations from Britons living overseas at £100,000 and prohibited cryptocurrency donations until a regulatory framework is established.

The changes come as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces scrutiny from parliamentary standards authorities over the disclosure of donations and benefits, including funding linked to cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne, one of the party's largest financial backers.