MPs Urge Temporary Ban on Crypto Donations Over Foreign Interference Fears

Matt Western, chair of the UK National Security Strategy Joint Committee, has urged a temporary moratorium on crypto donations to political parties, citing heightened risks of foreign interference ahead of the next general election. He asked that the moratorium be added to the Representation of the People Bill and remain until the Electoral Commission issues statutory guidance. Western previously backed a full ban; the bill introduced on Feb. 12 did not include one. Short-term safeguards he proposes include allowing donations only via FCA-registered crypto services, banning donations involving mixers or unknown sources, and requiring conversion of crypto donations to fiat within 48 hours. Longer-term measures suggested are a national enforcement lead for political finance, source-of-wealth checks, and stronger penalties and powers for the Electoral Commission. The push follows Reform UK’s acceptance of Bitcoin donations and precedes the bill’s second reading on March 2. Market context in recent reports noted BTC price levels and institutional uses (e.g., firms using BTC on balance sheets or for buybacks) and analysts flagged bearish futures signals — information traders should treat as background, not investment advice. Keywords: crypto donations, political donations, foreign interference, Representation of the People Bill, Electoral Commission, FCA-registered services, mixers, convert to fiat.