Britain has announced stricter rules on overseas political donations as part of efforts to prevent foreign money from influencing elections and to strengthen the integrity of the country’s democratic process.
The new measures follow a government review launched last year after a former Reform UK politician was jailed for accepting bribes to make pro-Russia speeches. The review concluded that countries including Russia, China, and Iran continue to pose a persistent threat by attempting to influence and undermine Britain’s democracy.
Under the new rules, political candidates must declare donations exceeding £2,230 received before officially becoming candidates and provide evidence that the funding came from legitimate sources. The government said the changes are designed to improve transparency and prevent illicit foreign influence in politics.
Housing Minister Steve Reed said the reforms would hold overseas donors to tougher standards while requiring candidates to prove the origin of their funding. He described the measures as a significant step toward protecting the integrity of UK elections.
The updated regulations also require individuals relocating to the UK to live permanently in the country for at least one year before making political donations of £100,000 or more. In addition, donations from companies will now be assessed based on post-tax profits instead of revenue to ensure only genuine UK-linked businesses can contribute.
The rules build on reforms introduced in March, which capped annual political donations by Britons living abroad at £100,000 and imposed a temporary ban on cryptocurrency donations until an appropriate regulatory framework is established.
The announcement comes as Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces investigations over whether he properly declared a £5 million donation from Thailand-based cryptocurrency investor Christopher Harborne, as well as separate allegations involving undeclared benefits. Reform UK maintains that no donation rules were violated.
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