Peers to debate donations law changes after Reform's £72m windfall
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By Joe Pike, Political correspondent and Chris Graham, Reuters
Nigel Farage's party has accused Labour of trying to "rig the system" after Reform UK received £72m from two billionaires in 24 hours.
House of Lords Debate on Political Donations Changes
The House of Lords will discuss amendments to laws regarding political donations later today, following significant public attention surrounding Reform UK's substantial funding.
Growing Calls for Restrictions
The recent influx of funds from Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne—both British citizens with overseas residences—has sparked a national conversation about campaign finance reforms. The government proposes capping individual donations to UK parties from British expats at £100,000, retroactive to March 25th.
Labour's Response and Criticism from Reform
In response to these proposed changes, Unite the Union—one of Labour's largest funders—supports limiting individual donations. Conversely, Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has criticized Labour, claiming they are attempting to "rig the system" against them.
Record-Breaking Donation Windfall
The scale of Reform UK's funding has prompted urgent discussions among political parties about the need for stricter regulations on foreign influence in UK politics.
Proposed Legislation and Amendments
On Monday, the bill introducing a £100,000 donation cap for British voters living abroad returns to the House of Lords. This legislation is based on a review by former civil servant Philip Rycroft.
Lord Wills, a Labour peer, intends to amend the bill to include caps on donations from those residing in the UK as well. Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, has also expressed support for such limitations.
Legal Compliance and Future Donations
Robert Jenrick, Reform UK's economic spokesman, affirmed that the received donations were legal both currently and under anticipated future regulations. The government proposes a minimum residency period during which the cap applies to returnee donors.
Angela Rayner, Housing Secretary, emphasized that non-compliance with these rules would result in the return of any illicit funds. She declined to comment specifically on Delo and Harborne's circumstances.
The Times reported in June that Harborne had a history of political donations dating back to 2015.