Rycroft Review: government right to act fast but cap on all political donations needed

Transparency International UK has welcomed the government's decision to immediately impose a moratorium on crypto-currency donations and cap donations from overseas voters at £100,000 a year, following the publication of Philip Rycroft's independent review into foreign financial interference in UK politics. 

Commenting on the announcement, Steve Goodrich, Head of Research and Investigations, Transparency International UK said:

"The government is right to act quickly on Rycroft's recommendations. A moratorium on crypto donations and a cap on donations from overseas voters are important measures that close two obvious routes for foreign money to enter UK politics. 

"The decision to apply these changes immediately shows ministers understand the urgency of the threat. But these are the partial fixes. The big question — whether to cap donations from all donors, not just those living abroad — remains unanswered. 

"Big money from a UK-based mega-donor poses the same risk to the integrity of our politics as from one based overseas. Ministers should cap donations from all donors, not just those living abroad."