Foreign interference review welcome but donation caps only way to break the stranglehold of big money over British politics

Transparency International UK have responded to the announcement of an independent review into the impact of foreign financial influence and interference in domestic politics from Russia and other hostile states. [1]

Reacting to the announcement, Rose Zussman, Senior Policy Manager at Transparency International UK said:

"The government's urgent review into foreign interference in UK politics is a welcome recognition of the serious threat that hostile foreign actors pose to our democracy, though some of these issues are already well-known and can be addressed sooner. It's clear there are a range of actors seeking to buy influence in our democracy, including foreign governments, and for relatively small amounts of money.

"Without limits on how much any individual or organisation can donate, and in the context of increasingly high spending on election campaigns, political parties are becoming ever more reliant on a small pool of wealthy donors. In the dash for cash, politicians risk turning a blind eye to donors’ dubious backgrounds, providing a clear route for those without Britain’s interests at heart to buy access and influence in politics.

"The government should use the upcoming elections bill to introduce a cap on political donations. This is the only way to break the stranglehold of big money over British politics and ensure that no single donor – foreign or domestic – can wield outsized influence over our democracy."

ENDS  

Notes to Editors:

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/dec/16/uk-inquiry-foreign-financial-interference-domestic-politics