UK security committee chair urges temporary ban on crypto political donations

The Reform UK party was the first to accept crypto donations in May last year, with leader Nigel Farage announcing the group is accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency contributions.

Matt Western, chair of the UK’s Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, has urged the government to put a temporary halt on crypto donations to political parties, citing concerns over foreign interference.

In his Monday letter to Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Western recommended adding a “temporary moratorium” on crypto donations to the upcoming Representation of the People Bill. The moratorium would be lifted once the Electoral Commission issues statutory guidance.

“We are concerned that foreign state intent to interfere in UK political finance may grow out to the next election,” Western said.

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