Labour MPs are set to rebel next week against the government’s proposed political funding reforms. This move comes in response to ongoing controversies surrounding the funding of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, prompting calls for stricter measures, including a ban on cryptocurrency donations, as they seek amendments to the Representation of the People Bill.
Labour MPs Demand Stricter Measures
On Thursday, Labour MPs from the all-party anti-corruption group rallied support for four key amendments aimed at tightening the government’s funding reforms. Among these amendments is a proposal for a permanent ban on digital currency donations, which has gained traction following the scrutiny over Farage’s funding sources.
Liam Byrne, chair of the business select committee, emphasized the need for these amendments, stating, “With each passing day, we learn new revelations about the extraordinary lengths to which Reform UK politicians will seemingly go in order to avoid proper oversight of their finances.”
Proposals to Limit Campaign Spending
Another significant amendment put forward by Anneliese Dodds, a former Labour cabinet minister, seeks to reduce campaign spending limits from £34 million to £24.4 million. Dodds expressed concern over the escalating costs of political campaigns, stating, “We now have an arms race in funding political campaigns. The public want to see limits set at a more reasonable level.”
