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, signaling this is more than a fringe concern. The push comes as scrutiny intensifies over exactly who, and what, is funding the rise of newer political parties in Britain.
How crypto landed in the middle of a campaign finance fight
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government enacted a temporary moratorium on crypto political donations on March 25, 2026. The intent was straightforward: create breathing room to assess the transparency risks before the next major electoral cycle.
The backdrop here matters. 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.
