Labour minister vows to defend UK democracy amid £72 million crypto donation scandal
Labour MP Louise Haigh warned that Britain’s democracy is under threat after Reform received £72 million from crypto billionaires, and called for stronger safeguards.
At the Trades Union Congress conference, Labour’s Louise Haigh denounced the recent £72 million influx of crypto-linked donations to Reform, saying it threatens the integrity of British democracy. She highlighted two £36 million contributions from crypto entrepreneurs Christopher Harborne and Ben Delo, and accused politicians of colluding with wealthy donors while undermining workers’ rights. Union leaders drafted an emergency statement urging the government to curb super-rich influence and protect union funding.
Meanwhile, Nigel Farage warned he would retaliate against Labour’s unions if Reform ever governs. The government is moving to impose a £100,000 limit on donations from abroad and introduce an enhanced residency test, a step Downing Street says is about ensuring donors have a stake in the UK, not singling out Reform.
Why it matters
Large crypto donations could reshape UK politics, prompting calls for stricter funding rules to safeguard democratic processes.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Richard Tice condemns Chinese imports while Reform UK merch made in China is on sale
- Sep 4 National Rally leader Jordan Bardella delivered an English speech at Reform UK’s gathering, emphasizing tighter ties with the British party and joint immigration control.
- Sep 4 Reform UK invited Bardella to speak at its Birmingham conference.
- Sep 6 West Midlands Police have issued a call for the protester to come forward to assist their inquiry.
- Sep 7 The memorandum was signed, moving the idea from conference discussion to a formal agreement.
- Sep 11 Crypto founder Ben Delo has donated £36 million to Reform UK, the largest party contribution on record, as police investigate alleged illegal foreign funding.
- Sep 12 The donation was announced as a record contribution while a police probe into foreign funding continues.
- Sep 12 Christopher Harborne announced a further large gift to Reform UK.
- Sep 13 Reform UK received two £36 million crypto donations, totalling £72 million.
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