The British government has announced stricter rules governing foreign political donations in order to limit the risks of interference in elections and to put an end to what Housing Minister Steve Reed calls "dubious funding".
This reform comes after an investigation launched last year into attempts at foreign influence in British politics. It followed the conviction of a former Reform UK party official, found guilty of accepting bribes in exchange for pro-Russian stances.
Among the main measures announced, candidates will now have to declare donations exceeding £2,230 received even before their official candidacy.
Those newly settled in the UK will, however, need to prove at least one year of permanent residence before being able to make political donations of 100,000 pounds or more.
The government also plans to strengthen controls on corporate donations. These will now be assessed based on previous net profits after tax, rather than on turnover.
According to the findings of the government inquiry, the United Kingdom remains vulnerable to attempts at financial influence by foreign powers, notably Russia and China, which has led the authorities to strengthen the legal framework governing the financing of political life.
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