UK government to debate changes to expat political donation rules after Reform's £72m windfall

London – The government has announced plans to amend legislation governing financial contributions to UK political parties from British citizens living abroad. Under current rules, overseas donors are barred from giving more than £10,000 per calendar year, a limit introduced in 2018 to curb foreign influence and increase transparency in party financing.

The proposed revision would raise the cap to £50,000 and introduce a streamlined reporting framework that requires parties to disclose the donor’s name, address and the amount contributed within 30 days of receipt. Ministers say the change aims to encourage greater engagement from the expatriate community, which collectively holds significant wealth and could bolster party resources. Critics, including opposition parties and electoral‑integrity watchdogs, warn that a higher threshold may open the door to undue influence and call for stronger safeguards, such as enhanced vetting of donors’ sources of income.

The legislation is expected to be introduced to Parliament in the coming weeks, with a parliamentary debate slated for the autumn session. If passed, the new rules would come into force at the start of the next financial year, reshaping the landscape of political fundraising for parties seeking support from the UK’s diaspora.