Burnham to tackle 'mega-donors' in UK politics

Labour MP Stella Creasy has tabled amendments seeking to impose a cap on UK-based donors, citing 'obscene wealth' dictating who is heard and prioritised in politics.

Some MPs have pressed for the government to introduce a limit on donations from British citizens living overseas, with Reform UK's Danny Kruger warning it would be a 'flagrantly partisan attempt to kneecap' Reform UK.

The Liberal Democrats proposed establishing a royal commission to make recommendations for a cap on political donations and the 'effectiveness' of existing campaign expenditure limits.

This proposal was rejected in the Commons by 427 votes to 85, majority 342.

Green Party MP Ellie Chowns said Creasy had made a 'clear case' for a cap on all donations, adding she would prefer it to be lower and suggested £50,000 a year.

Conservative shadow housing secretary Katie Lam said it was a 'noble aim' to protect UK democracy from foreign influence but changes proposed by the government had not always been produced with 'proper care and attention'.

In March, the government said donations in cryptocurrency to UK political parties would be banned alongside the move to cap donations of British citizens living abroad at £100,000 annually.

Ministers later announced overseas voters moving to the UK would be prevented from giving more than £100,000 in political donations for a year after their arrival.

The bill also contains measures to change the voting system, including extending the right to vote to 16- and 17-year-olds.

MPs approved the bill at third reading by 411 votes to 102, majority 309, and it will undergo further scrutiny in the House of Lords at a later date.

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